Chelsea: Robert Sanchez injury confirmed as Xabi Alonso reveals replacement plan | OneFootball

Blues will be boosted by two unexpected faces in Hong Kong

The goalkeeper was absent from the matchday squad in Sydney on Saturday as Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by London rivals Tottenham.

Sanchez was at the Accor Stadium to watch the derby defeat but unable to take part due to what manager Xabi Alonso has described as a “minor” injury.

Fellow goalkeeper Mike Penders will now join the squad in Hong Kong, where the Blues are scheduled to take on Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta'z.

Alonso said after the game: “Mike is joining us in Hong Kong. Robert has a minor injury.”

It is a blow for Sanchez, who will be keen to impress his new manager amid ongoing uncertainty over his future as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.

In his place, youngster Teddy Sharman-Lowe faced Spurs with Ted Curd watching on from the bench.

Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg and faces an uncertain future at Chelsea, is expected to take up the spot of third-choice keeper in Hong Kong.

The Chelsea squad will also be boosted by the return of Mykhailo Mudryk, almost two years after his last appearance.

Mudryk on Friday saw his doping ban lifted in a decision which Alonso has described as “massive” for the club and player.