Chelsea Drops Robert Sanchez for Crucial Man City Clash - Here's Why
Chelsea faced their challenging visit to Manchester City on Sunday not only missing their manager and star player, but also without first-choice keeper Robert Sánchez due to injury.
Following Enzo Maresca's surprising exit on New Year's Day, caretaker manager Calum McFarlane implemented five alterations from the final lineup selected by the departed Italian coach. Three of these changes were unavoidable.
With Moisés Caicedo serving a suspension after receiving his fifth Premier League booking of the campaign against Bournemouth, Wesley Fofana was battling illness and Sánchez had picked up a "minor muscular issue," according to BBC Sport.
Chelsea's primary goalkeeper had featured in all 19 preceding Premier League matches this term—even participating in October's triumph over Liverpool despite his red card the previous weekend after completing his ban in the Carabao Cup. Nevertheless, this streak concluded along with Maresca's tenure, compelling McFarlane to rely on usual backup Filip Jörgensen.
Jörgensen has featured in just five matches across all tournaments this season and remains without a shutout.
Sanchez Part of Injured Chelsea Supporters Group
Sánchez might not have been able to take the field at the Etihad Stadium, but he was photographed with the team in a gesture of solidarity during this unsettled period for the managerless Blues.
Long-term casualty Levi Colwill also traveled north to Manchester to support a weakened Chelsea defensive unit. Jörgensen was positioned behind a backline led by the modest pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Benoît Badiashile. Reserve keepers Gabriel Slonina and Max Merrick were also included in a makeshift squad.
When Will Robert Sánchez Return for Chelsea?
Sánchez's layoff is not anticipated to be extended. BBC Sport indicates that the goalkeeper is projected to be available for Chelsea's encounter with Fulham at Craven Cottage this upcoming Wednesday. Whether a new manager will be in place by then—and if it proves to be Liam Rosenior—remains uncertain.
January provides minimal relief for the Blues, who travel to London opponents Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup next weekend. Another London derby awaits with Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semifinal before hosting Brentford in Premier League action.