Xabi Alonso has confirmed he already knows who will start in goal for Chelsea against Brighton on Sunday but refused to reveal whether Robert Sanchez will keep his place.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation has suddenly become one of Alonso’s biggest selection decisions after an eventful week at Stamford Bridge.
Sanchez made two costly errors in the Premier League win at Fulham, Mike Penders then kept a clean sheet on his competitive debut against Luton, and Chelsea have subsequently agreed a £7.5million deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.
Alonso has now made his decision for Brighton.
Xabi Alonso decides Chelsea goalkeeper for Brighton
Asked during his pre-Brighton press conference whether he knew who would start in goal on Sunday, Alonso replied:
“Yes, I know who starts in goal on Sunday.”
He was then specifically asked whether Sanchez would be given another opportunity.
Alonso refused to disclose his choice, saying:
“Don’t ask. I know, but I prefer to tell the players first the lineup.”
The comments ensure Chelsea’s goalkeeper position will be one of the biggest talking points when the teams are announced at Stamford Bridge.
Sanchez started Chelsea’s opening Premier League victory at Fulham but endured a difficult evening despite the 3-2 result.
That opened the door for Penders to make his first competitive appearance against Luton.
The Belgian responded with a clean sheet in the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory, with ReadChelsea analysing how Penders’ debut complicated Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation following the Martinez agreement.
Emi Martinez deal adds another Chelsea question
Alonso’s decision also comes as Chelsea prepare to add another experienced goalkeeper.
The Blues have agreed a £7.5m deal with Aston Villa for Emiliano Martinez after the Argentina international gave the move his approval.
Martinez is not expected to be involved against Brighton, but his imminent arrival changes the longer-term hierarchy.
Sanchez now faces increased competition after his difficult Fulham performance, while Penders provided Alonso with a positive first impression on Thursday.
Chelsea therefore have two separate decisions to make.
The first is who starts against Brighton.
The second is how Martinez’s arrival affects Sanchez and Penders once the transfer is completed.
Alonso already has his answer to the first question.
Chelsea supporters will have to wait until Sunday’s team announcement to discover it.
The Blues host Brighton at 2pm BST, with ReadChelsea’s Chelsea vs Brighton TV and live-stream guide containing the full UK broadcast information.
Alonso has also delivered an important Chelsea team-news update ahead of Brighton, with Moises Caicedo among those pushing to return.
