Chelsea fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After Robert Sanchez’s shocking early red card against Manchester United, many feared the Blues’ first-choice goalkeeper would be sidelined for the blockbuster clash with Liverpool. But the Premier League has confirmed that Sanchez’s dismissal was for denying a goalscoring opportunity — meaning just a one-game suspension, not the dreaded three-match ban. With that, Enzo Maresca’s side will have their number one back in time for one of the biggest showdowns of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the game against Manchester United.
Robert Sanchez and Chelsea had a miserable day at the offices today.
Traveling to Manchester to played Manchester United, the game ended in a 2-1 defeat after first half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Not only was the weather terrible, with the ball getting visibly slower in the pitch due to the amount of rain, but the ramifications of the game could also be dire for Enzo Maresca’s side.
The result leaves them stuck on 8 points in the table as they chase UEFA Champions League qualification as well as a title challenge, but they are set to be without players for the Liverpool clash in a couple of weeks time.
One of the questions that many will be wondering is, will Robert Sanchez miss the Liverpool game after his straight red card?
For those who didn’t follow the game, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off after 5 minutes for taking out Manchester United attacker Bryan Mbeumo when he was through on goal.
Sanchez was shown a straight red and was replaced by 23-year-old Filip Jorgensen for the remainder of the game.
Typically for a straight red card, players get an automatic 3 game suspension.
However, that is largely dependent on the nature of the dismissal.
If a player is sent off for serious foul play, then they miss three games.
However, the Premier League has confirmed that this is not the case.
A tweet from their official X account confirms that Robert Sanchez was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
That means the Spanish goalkeeper will be suspended for one game instead of three.
Chelsea’s next domestic game is against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, before they take on Brighton & Hove Albion and then Liverpool in their following two domestic fixtures.
Robert Sanchez will be unavailable for the Lincoln game but will be back for the Brighton game.
Barring another dismissal in that fixture, Sanchez should be available to play against Liverpool in October.
Chelsea fans will be letting out a huge sigh of relief knowing that their number one will be able to play against the current English champions.
Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge to play The Blues on Saturday October 4th in the early kick off slot after the game was rescheduled for
