‘I don’t know but it was not what we expected’: Mauricio Pochettino says £40m Chelsea player could miss the next six weeks with injury
Chelsea’s current plight has left manager Mauricio Pochettino grappling with a slew of injury setbacks. Most recently, Reece James fell victim to another hamstring injury, compounding the team’s challenges, while Robert Sanchez has also found himself sidelined.
Pochettino, speaking candidly to various outlets including the Evening Standard, confessed uncertainty regarding Sanchez’s return timeline, hinting at a possible absence of up to six weeks. This revelation adds a layer of uncertainty and concern for Chelsea’s defensive lineup.
In the absence of Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic has stepped into the breach, notably featuring in the team’s recent 2-0 victory against Sheffield United.
As Sanchez faces a prolonged recovery period, Petrovic is poised to secure an extended opportunity within the starting lineup, a development that could shape the dynamics of Chelsea’s defensive strategy in the coming fixtures.
Mauricio Pochettino, in providing updates on Sanchez’s condition, expressed his desire to see the goalkeeper return promptly. However, he also voiced apprehension about the potential six-week hiatus, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of recovery from such injuries.
Pochettino remarked, “It is an injury that’s going to be for a few weeks, I don’t know if two, three, four, five or six. We will assess day-by-day to know how to follow it. His recovery will depend on him and the reaction of his knee, and it is difficult to say in two or three weeks, but we hope [he is back] as soon as possible.”
The setback in Sanchez’s availability comes at a challenging juncture for Chelsea. Since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in a noteworthy £25 million deal over the summer, the 26-year-old goalkeeper has showcased commendable performances, making 52 saves in the Premier League this season, positioning him just outside the top five goalkeepers in that statistic according to FBref.
While acknowledging occasional lapses in distribution, Sanchez has proven himself as a reliable shot-stopper. Consequently, his absence due to injury is not only a concern for Pochettino but also represents a setback for Chelsea as they navigate through a demanding stretch of fixtures.
