'Absolutely not!' - Enzo Maresca rules out Chelsea recalling Kepa Arrizabalaga but admits Robert Sanchez could be dropped as starting goalkeeper

Sanchez has come under increasing scrutiny following his latest blunder in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to City. His mistake directly led to Erling Haaland’s goal, further tarnishing his reputation as the club’s No. 1 goalkeeper. The Spaniard now holds the unwanted record for the most errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season, with five.

Amid the goalkeeping fiasco at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea loanee Arrizabalaga has been performing well for a high-flying Bournemouth side. Despite the Spaniard's impressive form with The Cherries, the Blues have no plans to recall him to solve their current crisis.

"No, absolutely not," he stated, shutting down any speculation about a mid-season return for the 29-year-old, who remains the most expensive goalkeeper in football history after his £71 million transfer to Chelsea in 2018.

With Sanchez struggling, pressure is mounting on Maresca to turn to Filip Jorgensen, who has impressed whenever given the opportunity. However, the Chelsea boss remains non-committal on whether a change will be made ahead of the next game.

“No, not yet," he said. "The decision, I have two-three days (to make). The good thing is any decision I make I feel good (about it) because every time Filip plays he has done well. So, Filip or Rob? We will see. Any decision will be okay.

“The only thing I can say is we need the fans, the players need them, but also understanding that sometimes for different reasons they cannot be happy with players or managers in general. “But for sure we need their support because they have to trust our direction. I am the first one that if I see something I don’t like, I do not accept that.”

With uncertainty surrounding Sanchez’s position, Chelsea are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. However, securing Kobel’s services would not be straightforward as Dortmund view him as a crucial part of their squad and are unlikely to let him go unless presented with an irresistible offer.