Rotation was expected from Chelsea and Enzo Maresca for their Champions League group stage clash, however one player’s spot on the bench is bad news for his future.
Maresca made seven changes to the side who started against Tottenham at the weekend, however was forced into an early substitution after Romeo Lavia went off injured.
Moises Caicedo was brought into the side, which will be disappointing for the boss as he looked to rest a number of individuals for the upcoming Premier League clash against Wolves.
One position he decided not to change was the goalkeeper role. Robert Sanchez retained his place in the side despite Filip Jorgensen being fit and on the bench.
Qarabag FK v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Maresca said before the game that there was a chance for the Dane to start in between the sticks, and it would have been expected that he would after he had established himself as the cup goalkeeper.
However, Sanchez has shown great improvements this season, and the fact he is now being seen as a key player is bad news for Jorgensen.
So far this season, Jorgensen has played just three games for the Blues, with two of those being in the EFL Cup. Jorgensen was criticised for his performance against Lincoln in what was his first appearance of the campaign.
Chelsea took the lead early against Qarabag thanks to an Estevao Willian goal, however a mistake from Jorrel Hato allowed the Azerbaijani side back into the game.
The Blues fell behind just before half-time after Hato’s handball resulted in a penalty, which was dispatched by Marko Jankovic.
Maresca’s main aim for the rest of the game will be for the rest of his squad to avoid further injuries, however for Jorgensen it doesn’t at this point look clear where his next appearance is going to come.