There is no Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea host Port Vale in the FA Cup today due to a punishment handed down by the club.
Fernandez has been dropped by head coach Liam Rosenior for Saturday’s cup game and next Sunday’s Premier League home clash against Manchester City due to unprovoked comments he has made, which have thrown his future into doubt.
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Across three interviews in recent weeks, Fernandez has made it clear that he considers his long-term future at the club to be in doubt and appeared to invite interest from Real Madrid. He was subsequently handed a two-match ban by Rosenior on Friday morning.
Rosenior has gone strong for the match against the side sitting at the bottom of League One, with Cole Palmer wearing the armband for Chelsea in the absence of usual skipper Reece James and vice-captain Fernandez.
Robert Sanchez is in goal, with Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo at centre-back. Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato are the full-backs.
Andrey Santos partners Romeo Lavia in midfield and Palmer is joined in attack by Estevao and Pedro Neto, with that trio supporting striker Joao Pedro.
Estevao and Jamie Gittens are back available after hamstring injuries. But injuries to Trevoh Chalobah and James keep both defenders out of action.
Levi Colwill is in full training but not yet ready to play his first minutes of the season following his ACL injury. Filip Jorgensen remains out after minor groin surgery.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, Hato, Andrey Santos, Lavia, Estevao, Palmer, Neto, Joao Pedro
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Sarr, Cucurella, Caicedo, Essugo, Garnacho, Kavuma-McQueen, Delap
Injured: James, Chalobah, Colwill, Jorgensen
Dropped: Fernandez
Time and date: 5.15pm BST on Saturday April 4, 2026
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
How to watch: BBC One and TNT Sports 1
