Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has remained coy on whether Robert Sanchez will replace Djordje Petrovic in goal for the match versus Manchester City.
Sanchez has returned to training this week after over two months on the sidelines with a knee injury. He will be available for selection this weekend and asked whether the Spaniard will start, Pochettino replied:
“We will see if he plays tomorrow. It’s very good to have him back and you never know in football what can happen. It’s better to have all the players available as soon as possible and be ready to play if we decide to choose them.”
Considering Petrovic’s good form in Sanchez’s absence, fans on X would not be happy if the Serbian international is dropped for the match at the Etihad:
Poch out if this happens
— ⚡️ (@clinicalkai) February 16, 2024
Petrovic has earnt his spot, will be unhappy if Sanchez comes straight back in
— Connor (@ConnorHolden00) February 16, 2024
I speak for everyone when i say PETROVIC should start. Sanchez should sit this one out.
— Kaizen (@kaai_zen) February 16, 2024
just sack him if he does it
— Boluwatife 🐘💙 (@bolu___watife) February 16, 2024
Who does he think he is
— bray (@cfcbray) February 16, 2024
POCH is really confused at this point
— landlady 🦋🦋 (@Landlady100) February 16, 2024
We don’t want to see
— Mr. Balo🦁 (@Wazoo_Oosha) February 16, 2024
Petrovic has done more than enough to keep his place
Although the 24-year-old did have some shaky moments in his first few games for the Blues, he has been one of the club’s most consistent players in recent weeks.
It would be very harsh to drop Petrovic now, considering he has hardly put a foot wrong since becoming No.1.
Chelsea will be without two other players for the City game
While Sanchez is back in contention, Pochettino has revealed that both Thiago Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka will be unavailable for the match on Saturday evening.
Silva picked up a minor groin injury in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace earlier this week, while Chukwuemeka twisted his ankle in training.
