When Chelsea plays Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, Robert Sanchez will be available for selection. Five minutes into last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United, the goalie was sent off when he rushed off his line and struck Bryan Mbeumo.
His firing compelled head coach Enzo Maresca to make an early roster change, replacing backup goalie Filip Jørgensen with Estevao Willian. Even after Casemiro was also sent off before halftime to equalise the playing field, Maresca made the snap decision to bench five defenders in order to field Cole Palmer, which may have further hampered Chelsea’s chances of a comeback.
Many were surprised to learn that Sanchez is already expected to make a comeback to the starting lineup this weekend, which will give him an opportunity to make amends when he faces his former employers. Although some have questioned his eligibility to play given his dismissal last week, Brighton fans could be happy to see him return because they know that goalkeeping is still Chelsea’s weakest position.
The Reasons Robert Sanchez Can Play This Weekend Against Brighton
Referee Peter Bankes gave Sanchez a straight red card at Old Trafford for failing to score a clear goal. He is already available for selection for the straightforward reason that, in contrast to a dismissal for serious foul play, which entails a three-match punishment, such an incident only carries a one-match suspension.
Sanchez has already completed his punishment because sanctions are applicable in all domestic tournaments, including all Chelsea games outside of the Champions League. He did not play in Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Lincoln City in the third round of the Carabao Cup, where Jorgensen began in goal and Gabriel Slonina was substituted.
Given the strong transfer relationships between the two clubs, Saturday’s matchup with Brighton also portends plenty more reunions. Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella are two of the most well-known representatives of that established trading line. Facundo Buonanotte, who is just on loan at Stamford Bridge and cannot play against his parent club, is one player who won’t be included.
Now that Maresca’s team has lost three straight games in all competitions, the Italian is starting to feel the heat. Given that Fabian Hurzeler’s club has defeated Chelsea in both of their previous meetings, a visit from the Seagulls presents no easy escape.
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