{
  "id": 3731957,
  "title": "Chelsea: Xabi Alonso speaks on replacing Robert Sanchez with Penders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/chelsea-xabi-alonso-speaks-on-replacing-robert-sanchez-with-penders",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T12:18:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/27/chelsea-xabi-alonso-speaks-on-replacing-robert-sanchez-with-penders/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea's manager, Xabi Alonso, addressed the potential of retaining goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the reserve lineup for the Carabao Cup second-round tie against Luton Town, scheduled for Thursday. Sanchez, Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper, found himself in a challenging position following his performance in the Blues' 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday. Sanchez allowed two goals in that match, one being a near-post header by Josh King and the other a parry directed towards Gonzalo Garcia, who capitalized on the mistake to score Fulham's second goal. The Spaniard's performance has been a subject of discussion among Chelsea supporters. Ahead of the cup match at Stamford Bridge, Alonso deliberated over who would be chosen between Sanchez and his backup, Mike Penders. The Chelsea manager confirmed that Penders has a chance to feature in the match, as he is part of the squad. Alonso chose to keep his decision confidential, emphasizing his preference for his players to learn directly from him rather than through media speculation about the starting goalkeeper. During a press conference, Alonso stated, \"Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.\" Furthermore, Alonso revealed that Chelsea will be without key players Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra for the encounter against Luton. Both players also missed the club's opening Premier League game of the season against Fulham. The Blues' manager hinted that Caicedo might return for the weekend's match against Brighton, but indicated that Palestra would need further assessment.",
  "summary": "Chelsea manager, Xabi Alonso, has spoken on the possibility of keeping goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on the bench to give Mike Penders a chance in the Carabao Cup second round match against Luton Town on Thursday. Sanchez, who holds the position of first-choice goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge, has placed himself in a difficult situation following his performance […] Chelsea: Xabi Alonso speaks on…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}