Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca has announced that Robert Sanchez will be the starting goalkeeper for the match against Arsenal this weekend. Filip Jorgensen previously played in goal during the game against Copenhagen on Thursday, where he kept a clean sheet, helping the Blues to a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge and a 3-1 aggregate win, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the Conference League. Sanchez had played the match before that, a Premier League win over Leicester, where he also maintained a clean sheet in a 1-0 win, supporting Chelsea’s rise back into the top four. When Maresca was asked about the goalkeeper selection for Sunday’s game at the Emirates, he confirmed Sanchez’s return to the starting position. “Yes, it will be Robert playing against Arsenal,” Maresca stated during a press conference on Chelsea’s website. “I’ve repeatedly mentioned that we are pleased with both of our goalkeepers.” At times, adaptability is necessary. “When we began, the intention wasn’t to switch the goalkeeper, but flexibility is important; we adjust our game strategy, our attacking and defensive approaches, and we must also be willing to change players as needed.” Chelsea travels to north London, trailing Arsenal by six points, with Arsenal currently in second place in the Premier League standings. A win at the Emirates would cut that gap to just three points. When asked if Chelsea could potentially surpass Arsenal by the season’s end, Italian coach Maresca did not dismiss the idea but emphasized his focus is solely on the upcoming match. He maintained that their main objectives remain securing a top-four finish and winning the Conference League. “At this moment, we have two goals: to secure a top four or five position for the Champions League, and to win the Conference League,” Maresca stated. “This club has a tradition of competing in finals and contending for titles, so if we can provide that opportunity for the fans and the club again, it would be significant for us.”
