Chelsea are open to Enzo Fernández captaining the side again this season and hope to reintegrate the midfielder after his comments over his future. Fernández, who is on Real Madrid’s shortlist as they look to revamp their midfield, was dropped after whipping up a storm during last month’s international break.

The Argentina international was not particularly subtle when he mentioned Madrid as the European city in which he would most like to live and praised the former Real Madrid midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. He also angered Chelsea by questioning the departure of Enzo Maresca, who was replaced by Liam Rosenior as head coach in January.

Rosenior reacted by saying Fernández’s various remarks “crossed a line” and, with the backing of the hierarchy, suspended the £106.7m midfielder for last Saturday’s FA Cup win over Port Vale and this Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester City.

The punishment raised questions over Fernández’s status within the squad given he is viewed from the outside as Chelsea’s vice-captain and has led the side when Reece James has been out.

Within Stamford Bridge, though, the situation is regarded as more nuanced. Fernández was never officially made vice-captain and is viewed as one...