Chelsea’s first Premier League home game of the campaign came with two major talking points before kick-off, as Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez were both missing from the squad to face Brighton & Hove Albion.
Blues boss Xabi Alonso has now explained the decisions, with the situations surrounding the two players very different.
Sanchez’s omission followed the arrival of Emiliano Martinez, while Fernandez continues to be linked with a potential move to Manchester City before the transfer deadline.
Why Was Robert Sanchez Missing Against Brighton?
Sanchez was not included in Chelsea’s matchday squad despite not being injured.
The goalkeeper had started Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham, but his performance was described as error-strewn as the Blues eventually secured a 3-2 victory in the West London derby.
Chelsea then confirmed the signing of Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for around £7.5m.
The Argentina international was immediately handed his Chelsea debut against Brighton.
Mike Penders was selected as Martinez’s backup after starting the midweek EFL Cup victory over Luton Town.
Xabi Alonso Explains Sanchez Decision
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Alonso confirmed that Sanchez was not injured.
The Chelsea manager said the decision was simply what he believed was best for the team and the club.
“Sometimes you have to take tough decisions.”
That suggests the goalkeeping hierarchy at Chelsea could now be changing following Martinez’s arrival.
Why Is Enzo Fernandez Missing?
Fernandez’s absence has attracted even more attention.
The Argentina midfielder was left out of the squad for the second consecutive game, having also missed the cup victory over Luton Town.
His omission comes amid continued reports linking him with Manchester City.
Fernandez was reportedly jeered by some Chelsea supporters during the Fulham victory, while speculation continues over whether City will make a serious move before the transfer deadline.
Alonso Demands Full Commitment
Asked about Fernandez, Alonso stressed the importance of selecting players who are fully focused on Chelsea.
The manager explained that the club had to consider the overall situation and choose players who were completely committed and engaged with the game.
For the Brighton match, Alonso partnered Romeo Lavia with Malo Gusto in midfield.
That decision has naturally increased the questions surrounding Fernandez’s future.
Could Enzo Fernandez Leave Chelsea for Manchester City?
Manchester City’s reported interest in Fernandez remains one of the biggest transfer stories surrounding Chelsea.
City are reportedly keen to reunite Fernandez with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Despite already spending more than £200m on Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson, City are still reportedly considering a move for the Chelsea midfielder.
A previous deadline for a proposed £120m offer passed without an official bid.
However, there is reportedly growing optimism over a possible transfer because Fernandez is said to have agreed personal terms with Manchester City.
Manchester City Still Need to Make an Official Bid
Personal terms alone are not enough to complete the transfer.
Manchester City would still need to submit an official offer and reach an agreement with Chelsea over the transfer fee.
That could be difficult because Fernandez is reportedly contracted to Chelsea until the end of the 2031-32 season.
Chelsea therefore remain in a strong contractual position if City decide to make a formal approach.
What About Robert Sanchez’s Chelsea Future?
Sanchez’s situation appears to be different from Fernandez’s.
There are currently no concrete transfer links mentioned in the report connecting the former Brighton goalkeeper with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
His contract reportedly has another four years remaining.
The immediate question is therefore whether Sanchez can win back his place following Martinez’s arrival.
Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Situation
| Player | Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Emiliano Martinez | Started against Brighton |
| Robert Sanchez | Left out of the squad |
| Mike Penders | Selected as backup |
Martinez’s arrival has immediately created competition for the starting goalkeeper position.
Two Difficult Decisions for Xabi Alonso
The two absences may appear similar, but the circumstances are very different.
Sanchez appears to have lost his place following a difficult opening performance and the arrival of Martinez.
Fernandez, meanwhile, is dealing with continued transfer speculation and questions over his commitment while Manchester City remain interested.
For Alonso, both situations represent difficult decisions at the very beginning of his Chelsea tenure.
What Happens Before the Transfer Deadline?
The final days of the transfer window could be crucial for Fernandez.
Manchester City still need to make an official proposal if they want to sign him, while Chelsea will have to decide whether any offer is acceptable.
Fernandez’s long-term contract gives Chelsea considerable leverage.
Sanchez’s future could also become clearer once the transfer window closes, particularly if Martinez establishes himself as Alonso’s preferred goalkeeper.
Quick Summary
- Robert Sanchez was left out of Chelsea’s squad against Brighton.
- Xabi Alonso confirmed Sanchez was not injured.
- Emiliano Martinez started after joining Chelsea from Aston Villa.
- Mike Penders was Martinez’s backup.
- Enzo Fernandez missed his second consecutive match.
- Fernandez continues to be linked with Manchester City.
- City reportedly previously considered a £120m offer.
- Fernandez is reportedly under contract with Chelsea until 2031-32.
- Sanchez has not been linked with a concrete move away from Chelsea in the report.
Final Thoughts
Chelsea’s opening weeks under Xabi Alonso are already producing some major selection decisions.
Robert Sanchez has found himself outside the squad following the arrival of Emiliano Martinez, while Enzo Fernandez’s situation is being complicated by Manchester City’s reported interest.
For Chelsea supporters, Fernandez’s future could be the biggest story to watch before the transfer deadline.
If Manchester City finally submit a major offer, Chelsea will have a huge decision to make.
For now, Alonso’s message is clear: he wants players who are fully committed and focused on Chelsea.
