'A personal problem': Mauricio Pochettino explains why £25m Chelsea star was left out of Manchester City game

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says Robert Sanchez had to attend to a 'personal problem' reason why he missed the entertaining 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League. 

The Chelsea boss admitted in his pre-game press conference that Sanchez who hasn't played since December 2023 was ready to play but it was a surprise when he wasn't named in the squad. Asked why the Spanish goalkeeper was left out entirely, Pochettino said it was something beyond his control. 

He told reporters just before kick-off at the Etihad: "We had hoped to include Robert in the squad today but after the press conference on Friday, it emerged that he had a personal problem which meant he could not be here with us. 

"It’s not a big issue but it’s important for him to be at home today." 

Chelsea produced a brilliant tactical display to earn a valuable point against the Premier League Champions. Raheem Sterling scored against his former side and Chelsea were spot on for large parts of the game before a deflected Rodri strike levelled it up for Pep Guardiola's side. 

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The west London club now have a whole week to prepare for their all-important League Cup final against Liverpool next weekend. Jurgen Klopp's side are huge favourites for the game but Chelsea have this ability to turn up during big games as evidenced by their performance against City. 

Liverpool have Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota all doubts for the game after they missed the match against Brentford this weekend.