Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca Aiming to Secure Goalkeeper Position for the Remainder of the Season

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has confirmed that Robert Sanchez will be part of the starting eleven for their Premier League match against Arsenal this Sunday, expressing his desire to maintain his first-choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the season.

Following a costly mistake that led to a goal during Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City in January, Maresca opted to bench Sanchez, allowing backup keeper Filip Jorgensen to take the reins for four consecutive league fixtures.

However, Sanchez made his return to the squad last week, helping secure a narrow 1-0 win over Leicester City.

“Robert will be the one starting against Arsenal. Our initial plan was to stick with the same goalkeeper throughout the season, yet sometimes, adjustments are necessary and we must be adaptable,” Maresca told the media on Friday.

“We implement various tactics for attacking and defending, but we also need to remain flexible with players. I felt that Robert needed some time to recuperate, at least mentally.”

“Now that he’s back, I’m hopeful we won’t have to make further changes until the season concludes. I’ve mentioned before that we’re satisfied with both goalkeepers.”

Chelsea currently sits fourth in the league table with 49 points from 28 matches, trailing second-placed Arsenal by six points, and will be eager to narrow that gap with a victory.

When asked about the prospect of challenging Arsenal for second place, Maresca responded: “They could essentially move nine points ahead of us. Right now, they’re ahead by six, but our focus isn’t on that.”

“Our priority lies in our playing style, finding ways to beat them, and if we manage to do that, we become closer… Yes, securing second place is certainly a potential target for us.”

“It’s our responsibility to put forth our best efforts, but for now, our main focus is on Sunday’s match, and then we’ll take it game by game to see how we can bridge that gap.”

Both teams will enter the match without a recognised striker, with winger Pedro Neto likely to spearhead Chelsea’s attack in the absence of the injured Nicolas Jackson, while Arsenal has opted to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino in a forward role in recent games.

“It’s rather unusual for both teams, considering the number of injuries we’re dealing with, but I believe both sides are striving to find solutions. We’re in the same boat,” Maresca acknowledged.

“Pedro has performed admirably in that role since the season began. We’ll assess whether to stick with Pedro in that position or make adjustments come Sunday.”

“Every club encounters injury setbacks throughout the season, necessitating adaptation and flexibility in finding solutions.”