Enzo Fernandez returns for Chelsea this weekend, but questions remain over his future at the London club.
The Argentina midfielder, 25, gave three interviews while away with his national side, referring to his desire to one day live in Spain's capital, having been heavily linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
That led to a two-match internal ban, jointly decided by head coach Liam Rosenior and the club hierarchy. The suspension has now ended, although not before attempts by Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, to have it reduced by a game.
As a result, Fernandez missed Chelsea's 7–0 FA Cup semi-final win against League Two side Port Vale and, more significantly, Sunday's 3–0 home defeat by Manchester City.
In the final interview, Pastore suggested Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could be an issue for his client. The Blues later lost again, leaving themselves four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Internally, however, there appears to be little regret over the punishment. Rosenior later revealed the final "hurdle" was consultation with Chelsea's leadership group, including captain Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill.
Fernandez is now available for Saturday's match against Manchester United in what is becoming a must-win fixture if Chelsea are to secure Champions League qualification - a pre-season target. Any slip, though, could yet see them miss out on European football altogether.
