Enzo Fernández was once again absent from Chelsea's squad for its match against Brighton on Sunday, Aug. 30.
The Argentina midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City. Sunday was the second straight match Fernández has missed after he was also out for a midweek Carabao Cup game against Luton Town.
Various reports have stated Fernández is close to joining City, which is coached by former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
With the transfer deadline looming on Tuesday, Sept. 1, Fernández may have played his last game for Chelsea.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's game, Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso said the decision to leave Fernández out against Luton was "from myself and from the club.”
He added: "We need the players that are in the best
situation to play. We need to take everything into consideration — players that are in a good moment, players that are not feeling that energy to play. For me, it is very important they feel this desire to play and to have good preparation."
Chelsea and Brighton both enter Sunday's game after winning their Premier League openers. Brighton defeated Aston Villa 4-0 and Chelsea got past Fulham 3-2.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Enzo Fernandez not playing for Chelsea today vs Brighton?
