Robert Sanchez is sidelined by a minor injury, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed, after the goalkeeper was missing from the squad for Saturday's 2-1 pre-season defeat to Tottenham in Sydney.
Sanchez was at the Accor Stadium to watch the derby loss but could not take part. Alonso said after the game: “Mike is joining us in Hong Kong. Robert has a minor injury.”
Replacement plan
Fellow goalkeeper Mike Penders will join Chelsea in Hong Kong, where the Blues are scheduled to play Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta'zim. Penders spent last season on loan at Strasbourg and faces an uncertain future at the club. He is expected to take the third-choice keeper spot for the trip.
With Sanchez unavailable, youngster Teddy Sharman-Lowe started against Spurs, while Ted Curd was among the substitutes.
The injury is a blow for Sanchez, who is keen to impress his new manager amid ongoing uncertainty over his position as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper.
Mudryk boost
Chelsea will also be boosted by the return of Mykhailo Mudryk, almost two years after his last appearance. Mudryk saw his doping ban lifted on Friday, a decision Alonso described as “massive” for the club and player.
