Robert Sanchez will be back in action for Chelsea this Saturday when they host Brighton in the Premier League.
The goalkeeper was sent off just five minutes into Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United last weekend after rushing out of his area and fouling Bryan Mbeumo. Estevao Willian was replaced by goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who came on for the remainder of the match.
Despite that early red card, Sanchez is now eligible to return after serving his suspension.
Why is Sanchez not suspended?
Sanchez received a straight red card from referee Peter Bankes for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Under Premier League rules, this offense carries a one-match ban.
That suspension was served during Chelsea’s 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win against Lincoln City, with Jorgensen starting and Gabriel Slonina on the bench.
If Sanchez had been sent off for violent conduct, he would have faced a three-match suspension. Since this was not the case, he is free to start against his former club, Brighton.
Sanchez’s return leaves manager Enzo Maresca with a selection decision to make. Filip Jorgensen struggled in goal during the Lincoln City match in the Carabao Cup, misjudging aerial balls and failing to inspire confidence in Chelsea’s defence. His performance at Old Trafford was also under scrutiny, with him partly at fault for United’s goal.
Given Jorgensen’s inconsistent form, Maresca is likely to reinstate Sanchez as the first-choice goalkeeper. The choice will allow Chelsea to regain stability at the back ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture and maintain confidence going into a busy schedule.
Team news
Sanchez will be available, but some Chelsea players are unavailable: Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton, cannot face his parent club, and Cole Palmer could miss out after picking up an injury against Manchester United.
Long-term absentees Levi Colwill and Liam Delap remain sidelined with ACL and hamstring injuries, respectively.
For Brighton, Maxim De Cuyper may return from a knee injury, but Jack Hinshelwood, Solly March, and Adam Webster will miss significant time due to injuries.
