Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Robert Sanchez will return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal. The Spanish goalkeeper had been dropped after an error in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in January but regained his spot in last week’s 1-0 win over Leicester City.
Backup goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen started four consecutive league games in Sanchez’s absence but failed to convince Maresca he should be the club’s number one. Maresca revealed that Sanchez needed a mental break and is now ready to reclaim his position. “Since we started, the idea was not to change keepers, but sometimes you need to be flexible. Robert needed some rest mentally, but now he’s back,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with 49 points from 28 games, trailing second-placed Arsenal by six points. Maresca insists his team is not focused on closing the gap but is fully concentrated on securing victory at the Emirates. “We are focused on how we can beat Arsenal. Yes, second place could be a target, but right now, our focus is Sunday’s game,” he added.
The Blues will be without their main striker Nicolas Jackson, who is sidelined with an injury. As a result, winger Pedro Neto is expected to lead the attack. Arsenal, on the other hand, have also been forced to play midfielder Mikel Merino up front due to injuries in their squad.
Maresca acknowledged the challenges both teams face due to injuries but praised Neto’s adaptability in the forward role. “Pedro has done very well in that position since we started using him there. All clubs face injury issues during the season, and we need to be flexible and find solutions,” Maresca explained.
Despite the absence of key players, Chelsea will be eager to build on their recent win against Leicester and maintain pressure on the teams above them. Maresca hopes that Sanchez’s return will provide stability at the back and help secure a crucial result against their London rivals.
Maresca concluded by expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt and compete at the highest level. “We’ve been working hard to improve, and I believe we’re heading in the right direction. Sunday’s game is a big test for us,” he said.
With just ten games remaining in the season, every point is vital for Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish. A win against Arsenal would not only narrow the gap but also boost their confidence heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
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