Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, has spoken on the possibility of keeping goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on the bench to give Mike Penders a chance in the Carabao Cup second round match against Luton Town on Thursday.
Sanchez, who holds the position of first-choice goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge, has placed himself in a difficult situation following his performance in the Blues’ 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday.
The Spaniard appeared unconvincing in goal, allowing Josh King to score at the near post and subsequently parrying the ball directly to Gonzalo Garcia, who netted Fulham’s second goal.
Concerns about Sanchez have been a recurring topic among Chelsea supporters for some time. As the cup match at Stamford Bridge approaches, Alonso has considered who will be selected between Sanchez and Penders.
The Chelsea manager acknowledged that Penders has a chance to play in the match since he is part of the squad.
Alonso chose to keep his decision private, indicating that he prefers his players to learn from him directly rather than through media reports regarding which goalkeeper will start.
In a press conference, Alonso stated, “Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
Additionally, the Blues’ manager confirmed that they will be without key players Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra for the encounter against Luton.
Notably, both players also missed the club’s opening Premier League match of the season against Fulham.
Alonso mentioned that Caicedo might return for the weekend’s match against Brighton, but indicated that Palestra will require further evaluation.
Chelsea: Xabi Alonso speaks on replacing Robert Sanchez with Penders