Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has uploaded a positive fitness update on his own social media.
Robert Sanchez, 26, has been unavailable for over six weeks with a knee injury.
The Spanish keeper missed an extremely busy festive period and the start of 2024, but Djordje Petrovic has done a fine job replacing him in-between the sticks. In fact, we see it as a very close battle between the Chelsea duo when they’re both fit and available for selection.
Chelsea confirmed via their official website today that Sanchez is still unavailable through injury for Wednesday night’s Premier League trip to leaders Liverpool. Incidentally, it’s a preview of next month’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
Sanchez did suggest earlier this week that he’s stepping up his rehabilitation and getting back to full fitness.
He wrote on Instagram: “Back touching the grass and slowly feeling better, feels good to be out.”
Robert Sanchez injury update
There’s certainly no need to rush Sanchez back when Petrovic is in this kind of form.
Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino opted with Sanchez as his number one in goal when the campaign started, but will that still be the same now Petrovic has had a run in the team and performed well?
Sanchez, who cost Chelsea £25 million (BBC) to sign from league rivals Brighton last summer, looked solid without being spectacular in the first half of the season.
The 26-year-old is a big presence in net and is a safe pair of gloves. There may be question marks about his qualities on the ball still, though.
The Evening Standard said earlier this month that Chelsea are pretty happy sticking with both Sanchez and Petrovic as their two senior goalkeepers for the near future. We’ll soon learn who Pochettino prefers once Sanchez is back fit and available.
The jury is out on whether either keeper can develop into a world-class shot-stopper, but both are a lot less chaotic than Kepa Arrizabalaga.
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