Image Credits: Imago Images
Chelsea could be without a number of players for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The Blues will be aiming to bounce back after a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, a result that extended their losing run to six league games and dented their European hopes.
Forest moved six points clear of the relegation zone with an emphatic win, while Chelsea’s own supporters voiced frustration as their side slipped to ninth and were effectively ruled out of finishing fifth.
Even sixth place may not be enough for Champions League qualification unless other results go their way, with Chelsea now four points behind Bournemouth in that position.
The match was also overshadowed by a clash of heads between Chelsea debutant Jesse Derry and Forest defender Zach Abbott, which left Derry unconscious. He was stretchered off, taken to hospital, and later regained consciousness before undergoing precautionary checks.
According to Standard Sport, Robert Sanchez is set to undergo in-house assessments in the coming days as Chelsea follow concussion protocols in the hope he can be available for Saturday’s trip to Liverpool.
The goalkeeper was substituted in the 66th minute of Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest after a clash of heads with Morgan Gibbs-White, who required treatment for a facial cut.
Although the Premier League confirmed neither player was officially logged as a concussion substitution, Sanchez will still be monitored at set intervals in line with FA return-to-play guidelines before being cleared for the match at Anfield.
He was bandaged before being replaced by Filip Jörgensen. Players who fail any stage of the protocol must observe a minimum 12-day rest period.
Sanchez later posted an image on his Instagram story showing a large cut on his forehead with several stitches. He also sent a message to Morgan Gibbs-White, writing: “Seen that you came out worst than me, hope you are ok big man.”
Liverpool take on Chelsea and will look to bounce back from their disappointing 3-2 loss to Manchester United. The Reds need a maximum of four points from their final three matches to secure Champions League qualification for next season.