**Robert Sanchez is absent from Chelsea’s squad to face Tottenham in Sydney after suffering a minor injury.**
The injury has handed Teddy Sharman-Lowe a start in goal, although the Spaniard is at Accor Stadium watching his team-mates.
Chelsea confirmed Sharman-Lowe in the starting XI for Saturday’s Sydney Super Cup meeting with Spurs, with Ted Curd named among the substitutes.
The club’s [official team announcement](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/confirmed-chelsea-line-up-vs-tottenham-pre-season) did not initially provide a reason for Sanchez’s absence.
However, Kieran Gill reports that the 28-year-old has picked up a minor injury rather than being left out for transfer or selection reasons.
Sanchez remains with Chelsea in Australia and is watching the match from the stands.
Sharman-Lowe now receives an opportunity to impress Xabi Alonso against Premier League opposition.
The 22-year-old was included in Chelsea’s 28-man travelling squad and has been wearing the No.28 shirt during pre-season.
His selection comes behind a strong Chelsea side featuring Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer and João Pedro.
ReadChelsea’s [Chelsea vs Tottenham preview](https://readchelsea.com/2026/08/01/chelsea-vs-tottenham-prediction-team-news-and-predicted-lineups/) had Sanchez among the likely starters before news of the injury emerged.
There is currently no indication that Sanchez faces a significant spell on the sidelines. His presence at Accor Stadium should provide further encouragement that the problem is minor.
Alonso will hope to have his first-choice goalkeeper available again as Chelsea continue their pre-season tour with fixtures against Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim.