Xabi Alonso Expects Enzo Fernandez to Feature Against Luton Town

Xabi Alonso expects Enzo Fernandez to be in his squad against Luton Town on Thursday night, even as Manchester City circle the Chelsea midfielder before the transfer window shuts.

City are widely tipped to lodge a formal bid before the 1 September deadline, with interest driven by head coach Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Fernandez at Chelsea.

The Argentina international found himself at the centre of a split Stamford Bridge fanbase on Monday. Introduced from the bench in the 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, he was loudly booed by some Chelsea supporters and backed just as strongly by others.

Fernandez has been open about his desire to leave the club, yet he has continued to train with the first team and remain part of Alonso’s plans.

Asked directly if he expects Fernandez to feature in the Carabao Cup second-round tie at Stamford Bridge, Alonso was clear.

"Yes, so we expect that he's involved," he said. "He has trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved."

The message was firm: until anything changes, Fernandez plays.

City’s interest, though, lingers in the background and shapes every question around the 23-year-old. Maresca knows exactly what Fernandez can offer and wants to bring that to the Etihad, while Chelsea weigh up their options in the final days of the window.

Pressed on whether he wants to keep Fernandez, Alonso did not hide the player’s importance but stopped short of any guarantees.

"We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop."

The follow-up was inevitable: would Chelsea only sanction a sale if they secure a replacement first? Alonso refused to be pinned down.

"It is always about understanding the context, the situation, timings, circumstances, so there is not a defined rule for everything," the Spaniard said. "You need to know how things have worked, what you want, what you want for the future, so I don't have the rules in stone. We need to assess each situation."

So Fernandez trains. He prepares for Luton. He may yet start, he may come off the bench, and he may even be playing his final minutes for Chelsea.

For now, Alonso leans on his professionalism. City wait to test Chelsea’s resolve. And Stamford Bridge braces for another twist in a saga that could reshape the heart of their midfield before the window slams shut.