Alonso Considers Penders Over Sanchez for Carabao Cup

Chelsea FC manager Xabi Alonso has addressed the possibility of benching first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in favor of Mike Penders for the upcoming Carabao Cup second round match against Luton Town on Thursday. Sanchez's recent performance in Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Fulham raised concerns, as he allowed Josh King to score at the near post and parried the ball to Gonzalo Garcia, who scored Fulham's second goal.

Alonso acknowledged that Penders is part of the squad and has an opportunity to play, but he has opted to keep his decision private, stating that he prefers players to learn about their roles directly from him. Additionally, Alonso confirmed that Chelsea will be without key players Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra for the match against Luton, both of whom also missed the opening Premier League match against Fulham.

Caicedo may return for the weekend's match against Brighton, while Palestra will require further evaluation.