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Just one day ago, newly appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso indicated that he anticipated star midfielder Enzo Fernández to feature in Thursday's Carabao Cup clash against Luton Town.
"He has trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved," the 44-year-old said with confidence. He has repeatedly expressed his backing of Fernández as a key part of his Chelsea setup.
Yet Fernández was nowhere to be found in Alonso's matchday squad on Thursday, completely left out of the fixture against the League One outfit at Stamford Bridge, which otherwise featured a notably strong lineup. That's how rapidly circumstances can shift, particularly in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The exit of the Argentine star now appears increasingly likely, with a deal potentially being finalized before the window shuts on September 1.
Fernández Headed Toward the Embrace of Enzo Maresca
Fernández has made little effort to conceal his potential exit from west London. The saga kicked off five months ago when he openly courted Real Madrid in March, making teasing remarks that earned him an internal suspension.
While that route has since been closed off, a newer and more compelling one has emerged in its place. The 25-year-old playmaker has been strongly linked with Manchester City, with hopes of a reunion between the vice-captain and former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola at the Etihad at the beginning of the season.
Adding further drama to the summer transfer window, Chelsea reportedly issued City an ultimatum to secure Fernández's services. The Citizens were told it would cost $162.1 million (£120 million) to land the midfielder, a hefty price tag that had to be tabled before August 14 at 5 p.m. BST (12 p.m. ET, 9 a.m. PT) or the deal would collapse. The deadline passed, however, without any offer from the Manchester blue half, leaving Fernández's future shrouded in uncertainty.
Fernández's omission on Wednesday suggests Chelsea either have little regard for their own ultimatum, remaining open to reviving negotiations and sealing a deal with City before the window closes, or that they simply couldn't care less.
Fernández would face a tough road to rebuilding his standing with Chelsea and its supporters this season regardless, following his turbulent spring and a controversial summer World Cup campaign. He was met with boos when he came on as a substitute during his preseason appearance against Real Sociedad on August 15 as a consequence.