Report: Chelsea make decision on Mike Penders following Liam Rosenior’s appointment | OneFootball

Report: Chelsea make decision on Mike Penders following Liam Rosenior’s appointment | OneFootball

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·7 January 2026

Report: Chelsea make decision on Mike Penders following Liam Rosenior’s appointment

Article image:Report: Chelsea make decision on Mike Penders following Liam Rosenior’s appointment

Chelsea have no plans to recall Mike Penders from his loan at Strasbourg after the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach.

The Blues confirmed Rosenior’s appointment on Tuesday, and the 41-year-old has signed a six and a half year contract at Stamford Bridge.


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Rosenior will take charge of his first game against Charlton in the FA Cup on Saturday, and is expected to be in the stands for Wednesday’s game against Fulham.

Chelsea have no plans to recall Mike Penders from Strasbourg

Chelsea reportedly feel Rosenior will be a “better fit” as head coach than Enzo Maresca, and he already knows a number of players from his time at Strasbourg.

Rosenior worked with Andrey Santos last season, and the Brazilian could be one to hugely benefit from his appointment.

Article image:Report: Chelsea make decision on Mike Penders following Liam Rosenior’s appointment

Chelsea believe Penders has huge potential. (Photo by Virginie Lefour/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)

The Englishman has also worked with Liam Delap during his time at Hull, whilst he’s worked with Chelsea youngsters Penders and Mamadou Sarr over the first half of this season.

Chelsea believe Penders is special, and the 20-year-old has impressed at Strasbourg this season, and is certainly viewed as a future number one.

However, The Telegraph have reported Chelsea won’t be recalling Penders this month despite the appointment of Rosenior.

The report adds the situation is the same for Mamadou Sarr, whilst Kendry Paez might be recalled and sent elsewhere for more regular game time.

Robert Sanchez has impressed this season

Fans were disappointed the Blues didn’t sign a new keeper over the summer, and Chelsea passed on the opportunity to sign Mike Maignan.

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However, that now looks to be the right decision given the form of Robert Sanchez, and the Spaniard has been one of Chelsea’s best players.

Sanchez has made huge improvements this season, and other than his red card against Manchester United has put in a series of impressive performances, and shown to be a safe pair of hands between the sticks.

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