Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Enzo Fernandez will play against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, as the club prepares for a bid from Manchester City.
Manchester City are preparing an opening offer of £100 million for the 25-year-old Argentinian.
Chelsea are likely to reject that offer, having insisted throughout the summer that they value Fernandez at £120 million or more. The transfer window closes on September 1.
Alonso will take charge of his first competitive match at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
When asked if Fernandez was available for the fixture, Alonso said he expects the player to be involved.
"Yes, so we expect that he's involved," Alonso said. "He's trained, he's training really well, he's a good professional and he will be involved."
Midfield replacements
Alonso was asked whether he wants Fernandez to remain at Chelsea beyond the end of the transfer window.
"We want to have the best team possible," Alonso said. "We know his qualities. He has shown it. We have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop."
If Chelsea allow Fernandez to leave for Manchester City, they risk strengthening a rival while weakening their own side. The club would need to reinvest the money in a replacement.
Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Monaco's Lamine Camara and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace are among the possible candidates.
"We assess the whole squad as a unit and in that squad, we want good balance in terms of quality, in terms of positions, in terms of personalities, so we are aware of everything and we are prepared for whatever," Alonso said.
Neto and injury news
Winger Pedro Neto has also been linked with a move away this summer. Chelsea value him at close to £100 million.
Neto played as a right wing-back in Chelsea's 3-2 Premier League win at Fulham on Monday. He replaced Malo Gusto as a 76th-minute substitute.
"Wing-back, winger, you can call it whatever you want, but the main thing is the quality of the players, that they adjust and that we have balance with the players around," Alonso said.
"That makes sense. That makes the team better. That's always my main focus, that the team is better with the qualities and knowing the best quality of each individual player. We want to have the best possible squad and let's see what happens."
Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are unavailable for the match against League One side Luton after suffering setbacks.
Caicedo could return for Sunday's Premier League match against Brighton.
Cole Palmer is fit and fine despite asking to be substituted during the victory over Fulham.
