Liam Rosenior admitted Enzo Fernandez's absence against Manchester City "possibly" hurt Chelsea.

The Blues were defeated 3-0 by Pep Guardiola's side on Sunday, leaving them four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool in the Champions League race.

Chelsea have now lost back-to-back Premier League games by three or more goals for the first time since February 2018 under Antonio Conte (0-3 versus Bournemouth, 1-4 against Watford).

They have also lost back-to-back Premier League home matches (also 0-1 versus Newcastle United) for the first time since September 2023 under Mauricio Pochettino, while this was their heaviest loss at Stamford Bridge since April 2022 (1-4 against Brentford).

Chelsea had just 37.3% of possession against City, struggling to gain control without the presence of Fernandez.

The Argentine was serving the second game of his club-sanctioned ban after his comments during the international break, which alluded to a possible move to Real Madrid.

When asked if Fernandez's suspension hurt Chelsea on the pitch, Rosenior said: "Possibly. Possibly, in hindsight, you see 20-20 in hindsight.

"Enzo's a top player and he's a top character and I'm looking forward to having him back next week.

"Sometimes you make decisions not based on the short-term, you make decisions based on what you want to see long-term.

"And it was a long-term decision that myself, the directors and the club were aligned with the leadership group of players that we made to make sure that our values and our culture in the long-term is in the right place.

"But Enzo has had the conversations he's needed to have. He's been fantastic in the last few days in supporting myself and the team and I can't wait to have him back in the squad."

Chelsea face Manchester United next weekend in what looks set to be a huge match in the race for the Champions League places.