Robert Sanchez faces race against time for Liverpool clash

Robert Sánchez is under concussion return-to-play checks after being substituted in the 66th minute against Nottingham Forest, following a clash of heads with Morgan Gibbs-White. Chelsea are following FA return-to-play guidelines before deciding whether he can face Liverpool at Anfield, and players who fail concussion protocol tests must observe at least 12 days rest. That leaves the goalkeeper's availability in real doubt, not because anyone has ruled him out, but because the medical process is now the decisive factor.

Why Sanchez is the main issue

Sanchez has been Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper across 33 Premier League appearances this season, so this is not a fringe absence. His 6.95 Premier League rating suggests he has had a steady enough season, which makes the timing of a possible concussion check more awkward for a team already carrying too many problems.

Dom Smith reported that Chelsea's other knocks were manageable, with Chelsea head coach McFarlane saying: "It's nothing serious. They both took knocks in training, so we're just managing that." The real uncertainty remains Sanchez, because the club cannot shortcut the protocol. If he does not clear the checks, Chelsea go into a difficult trip with a major piece missing.

A bigger problem for Chelsea

The wider picture is not encouraging. Chelsea have lost five straight Premier League matches and sit ninth with 48 points after 35 games, while Liverpool are fourth. McFarlane also confirmed that Estevao will miss the rest of the season, saying: "Estevao unfortunately won't play for us this season. He'll be out for a little bit of time. But we're here to support him."

That is a heavy enough run on its own, and the extra injury noise only adds to it. Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are both among the other fitness concerns, while Jesse Derry's full Premier League debut ended with him stretchered off unconscious after a collision with Zach Abbott. Chelsea do not need a tidy tactical debate at the moment. They need their available players to stay available.

If Sanchez passes the checks, Chelsea at least take a first-choice goalkeeper to Anfield. If he does not, the story around Liverpool becomes simpler and more damaging for Chelsea, because the keeper spot will be shaped by medical timings rather than selection.