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Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has lauded Chelsea shot-stopper Robert Sanchez's performance in the side's 1-0 win over Bournemouth. The former Watford man believes that the Spaniard has all the tools to be a succesful goalkeeper in the league.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Foster said:
“Sanchez, man of the match [against Bournemouth]. Penalty save. A couple of very good saves in the game as well.”
“He’s had a bit of a rocky start to the season… He physically looks like he’s an absolute athlete. A specimen of a goalkeeper. He looks like he’s got absolutely everything. Just sometimes some goals go in and you question his positioning. But in this game, he was incredible.”
Sanchez was a rock at the back as Chelsea edged past Bournemouth in a narrow 1-0 win on Sunday, September 15. The Blues were on the back foot for good portions of the game but managed to keep their first clean sheet of the Premier League campaign owing to some splendid work between the sticks from the Spaniard.
Notably, he pulled off an excellent penalty save after conceding the spot-kick in the first place, tripping Evanilson after a bad back pass from Wesley Fofana. In all, he made seven saves.
Sanchez has received an opportunity to become Enzo Maresca's No 1. He began last year as the primary option but was eventually replaced by Djordje Petrovic. The Serbian has now moved on loan to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, while summer signing Filip Jorgensen has been assigned to the cup games.
Chelsea receive blow as star player suffers setback in injury rehab
Chelsea defender Reece James' return from injury is expected to take longer than expected. According to The Sun, the right-back has not recovered well from a hamstring issue he suffered just as the 2024-25 campaign began.
However, the report claims that club doctors insist that it is not a new injury but only an issue of slow progress in his rehab. The timeline for his return still remains unclear.
James has been plagued by injury issues, notably to his hamstring and knee. The 24-year-old made just 10 league appearances last season. In his place, Malo Gusto excelled at right-back, notching nine assists in 37 games last season.
Both players were unavailable for Chelsea's 1-0 win over Bournemouth, leading Maresca to put Axel Disasi at right-back. However, Gusto has returned to training ahead of their next Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
