Why Is Robert Sanchez Not Playing Tonight for Chelsea vs Liverpool?

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Why Is Robert Sanchez Not Playing Tonight for Chelsea vs Liverpool?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated May 9, 2026 6:22 AM ET

Chelsea will play away at Anfield against Liverpool in the Premier League. It marks their 36th league match this season, with European football next season as the goal.

Chelsea is currently on a six-game losing streak in the Premier League and is 9th with 48 points. Liam Rosenior no longer manages the team, and Calum McFarlane is the interim head coach, who has two games under his belt following Rosenior's departure.

Earlier this week, Chelsea lost 1-3 to Nottingham Forest at home. For today's match, Chelsea will be without another first-team player. This time, the Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is not in the squad.

Sanchez played against Nottingham Forest, and he was involved in a serious head collision with Nottingham Forest player Morgan Gibbs-White.

Robert Sánchez of Chelsea and Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest collide and both are replaced after head injuries during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on May 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images

Sanchez and Gibbs-White both went down, with Gibbs-White receiving the worst part, needing stitches on his forehead. Sanchez also received stitches on his forehead after the collision.

Sanchez and Gibbs-White were taken off the pitch in the 66th minute of the match. Gibbs-White was set to play again this week in the Europa League semifinal against Aston Villa, but did not get minutes. On the other hand, Sanchez has not been selected for the Chelsea squad.

Calum McFarlane on Robert Sanchez

Interim head coach Calum McFarlane confirmed that Robert Sanchez would not be included in the Chelsea squad following his head collision with Morgan Gibbs-White last Monday.

McFarlane announced multiple injuries in the squad for the match against Liverpool.

McFarlane said, "(Pedro) Neto and Garnacho are carrying knocks, so they are unlikely to be available. Rob (Sanchez) is also not going to be available."

Filip Jorgensen replaced Sanchez in the previous match and will start against Liverpool today at Anfield.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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