Xabi Alonso has explained the conversation that resulted in Enzo Fernandez being omitted from Chelsea’s squad for their Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town, insisting that his selection was based on which players were mentally and physically ready to compete.

Fernandez was a surprise omission from Chelsea’s match-day squad for Thursday night’s game against Luton. His absence came only 24 hours after Alonso had indicated that the Argentine midfielder was expected to feature. The sudden change immediately raised questions over Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge, particularly amid reports linking him with a possible move to Manchester City.

Speculation intensified that City may have started discussions with Chelsea over a potential deal worth around £120 million. Despite the growing rumours, however, Chelsea sources stated on Thursday evening that the club had not received a formal offer from Pep Guardiola’s side.

Speaking after Chelsea secured their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup, Alonso stressed that leaving Fernandez out had been his own decision. The Spanish manager explained that he wanted to select a group of players who were fully prepared and genuinely motivated to play.

According to Alonso, a player’s physical condition is only one part of the decision-making process. He also wants to assess whether individuals are in the right mental state and have the enthusiasm required to perform.

“We need the players who are in the best situation to play,” Alonso explained. “We have to consider everything. Some players are in a very good moment, while others may not have the same energy or feeling to compete.”

The Chelsea manager added that he places considerable importance on a player’s willingness to prepare properly and give everything during a match. For Alonso, having the right attitude can be just as important as technical quality or physical fitness.

The decision regarding Fernandez followed a private conversation between the two men after Chelsea’s training session on Wednesday. Alonso revealed that they discussed the situation and ultimately agreed that it would be better for the midfielder not to be included in the squad.

“We talked and we decided it was better not to be part of the squad,” Alonso said, while making it clear that he still considers Fernandez an outstanding footballer.

“He is a top player,” the Chelsea boss added.

Fernandez’s omission inevitably fuelled further speculation about a possible transfer. Manchester City are believed to be interested in the 25-year-old, and the possibility of a major bid has placed Chelsea in a potentially difficult position.

While the club waits to see whether City make a formal approach, Chelsea have reportedly been examining possible alternatives in midfield should Fernandez eventually depart.

One player who has attracted Chelsea’s attention throughout the summer is Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. The 23-year-old has been admired by the London club for some time, although Bournemouth have consistently maintained that he is not available for transfer. The south-coast club have also never publicly indicated a specific asking price for the England Under-21 international.

Another name now being considered is Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara. The 22-year-old Senegal international has emerged as a potential option for Chelsea if Fernandez leaves, with the club understood to be actively monitoring his situation.

When Alonso was asked whether Chelsea would have to sign a replacement should Fernandez be sold, the manager avoided giving a definitive answer. He insisted that he did not want to make premature comments about the club’s transfer plans and would instead wait to see how the final stages of the window develop.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not the one who talks too early,” Alonso said. “We will see what happens. We always want to be ready.”

Alonso also suggested that Chelsea remain broadly satisfied with the work they have completed during the transfer window. The manager believes the squad is beginning to take shape and is approaching the structure the club originally planned.

“We are quite close to the plan we had,” he explained. “We will see where we finish and whether everything is fully executed, or whether there are still things to do or things that we were unable to complete.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Fernandez, Alonso believes the overall balance of Chelsea’s squad should remain positive. He acknowledged that the final days of the transfer window could still bring significant developments, but insisted that the team is gradually coming together.

Chelsea’s transfer activity is not limited to midfield, with the club also facing an important decision regarding the goalkeeper position.

The Blues had been working on a potential deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. However, Chelsea would have needed to complete the signing of the 33-year-old by midday on Friday for him to be eligible to play against Brighton on Sunday, assuming he was considered fit enough to feature.

If Martinez did not arrive in time, Alonso would have had to choose between Robert Sanchez and highly rated youngster Mike Penders.

Sanchez, who is 28, appears to have fallen down the pecking order after making several costly errors in Chelsea’s recent matches. His position became particularly uncertain following Chelsea’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday, when he was involved in two goals that were considered avoidable.

The arrival of Martinez could therefore have wider consequences for Sanchez, with a permanent departure becoming a possibility if Chelsea decide that the Spanish goalkeeper is no longer part of Alonso’s long-term plans.

When Alonso was asked who would start against Brighton, he refused to reveal his decision publicly.

“Don’t ask, but I know,” the Chelsea manager replied.

He then explained that he preferred to inform the players themselves before making the information public.

“I prefer to tell the players first,” Alonso added.

The situation surrounding Fernandez remains one of the biggest talking points at Chelsea as the transfer window approaches its conclusion. His omission against Luton may have been presented by Alonso as a sporting decision based on the midfielder’s readiness and desire to play, but the timing of the decision has inevitably encouraged speculation about his future.

For now, Chelsea appear to be preparing for several possible scenarios. The club will have to determine whether Fernandez remains part of Alonso’s plans, whether Manchester City eventually make an official approach, and whether a replacement such as Camara or another midfielder needs to be brought in.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Alonso and Chelsea are likely to face a busy few days. The manager’s comments suggest that he is comfortable with the squad currently at his disposal, but he also wants the club to remain prepared for unexpected changes.

Fernandez’s future, the goalkeeper situation and Chelsea’s pursuit of potential reinforcements could therefore become decisive issues before the transfer window closes. For Alonso, the priority remains clear: selecting players who are fully committed, properly prepared and genuinely eager to represent Chelsea.