Alonso explains U-turn after leaving Fernandez out of Chelsea cup tie

Xabi Alonso said a U-turn on selecting Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton was “best for the team” – and insisted it was his decision to leave the midfielder out.

Fernandez’s Blues future is in doubt, with Manchester City expected to make an offer for him ahead of the transfer deadline.

Manager Alonso nevertheless insisted on Wednesday that the Argentine would be involved against the Hatters.

But he was not in the matchday squad for the game at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea won 2-0 to set up a third-round clash with Leeds.

Alonso was inevitably asked what had changed between his pre-match press conference and Fernandez’s eventual absence.

The Spaniard said: “We assess individually, collectively, what’s the best for the for the team for tonight – what was better for other players that they were playing, and we take the decision,” said Alonso.

“It’s just because of the game today, and we had other players that needed minutes.”

Asked if Fernandez had refused to play, Alonso replied: “No, no, no. It was a decision from myself and from the club.”

And when asked when the decision not to select him was made, Alonso said: “Yesterday after the press conference. After had a chat with Enzo to tell (him).”

It appears that Fernandez may well have played his final match for Chelsea, who will return to Premier League action with a home match against Brighton on Sunday.

“He’s a good professional, he’s training well, and I have nothing (negative) to say about him,” said Alonso.

“So it was just decisions that we have to take, thinking about the game that we were playing tonight, and we will see for Sunday.”

Danny Welbeck scored on his Chelsea debut, heading in Malo Gusto’s cross five minutes into the second half.

There were also first outings for goalkeeper Mike Penders – ahead of the expected signing of Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez – and Valentin Barco.

“It’s a special day for them that they will remember,” said Alonso.

“Mike, for sure he will be happy because always for a keeper to make a debut and get a clean sheet feels good.

“Valentin, he had an impressive performance: very dynamic, good with the ball, very aware of what was going on in the midfield.

“And Danny, he was the patient player. He was the one who had to be in the box waiting for one goal, one good cross to come.

“A great delivery from Malo, and he was there and he did what he does best: score and to be in the right place.”