The Blues hit by a bug before the Rosenior PL bows out

Chelsea Head coach Liam Rosenior has insisted he has no number one or two at goalkeeping following Robert Sanchez's error-strewn performance against Arsenal, as the Blues turn their attention to a Premier League clash with Brentford against the backdrop of viruses in the camp.

Sanchez was responsible for each of Arsenal's first two goals in the Gunners' 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday. He initially failed to make contact with a corner that Ben White headed home, before proving unable to collect a low ball into the box that squirmed into the path of Viktor Gyokeres to latch onto it.

Alejandro Garnacho's brace means that, despite Martin Zubimendi's third goal for Arsenal, the tie still stands.

However, Sanchez is under scrutiny, and the recently appointed Rosenior didn't exactly provide a vote of confidence when asked if the Spaniard was his number one ahead of Filip Jorgensen.

Rosenior: I am neither number one nor number two

Rosenior, who said immediately after Arsenal's defeat that Sánchez's mistakes were “on me”, told a pre-match press conference: “It's the same for every position. I'm here to evaluate every position. I don't have a number one or number two, that's not how I work.

“If you look at me at every club there has to be competition. Not just in the goalkeeping department but in every position on the pitch and you have to earn your place in this team. I have a very good team so for me that is the message to all the players.

“I don’t have a guaranteed number one or number nine, they have to earn their place in the team.”

Chelsea hit by virus

Chelsea's London derby against Brentford is a key match in a crowded fight for Champions League football. The Blues are winless in their last five league matches, a run which came under the management of Enzo Maresca, and are four points from the first four in the eighth.

They are two points behind fifth-placed Brentford, enjoying a spectacular season under Keith Andrews, and also trail Newcastle United and Manchester United.

However, a virus could limit some of Rosenior's selection choices for his first championship match in charge.

“Liam [Delap] is still at home at the moment, as is Jamie Gittens,” Rosenior explained. “The club's doctors are doing everything they can to contain what appears to be a virus, as some of our staff have also fallen.

“We had a meeting today with the players about hand washing, the basics, which is really important and hopefully we can contain it. We have a busy period so we need everyone ready to go, fit and healthy.”

But there was better news regarding Cole Palmer and Reece James, who both missed the Arsenal defeat through injury.

“They are both training today,” Rosenior added.

“We just have to evaluate them after practice and make sure they're following all the protocols they need, but it would be great to have them back in the team and right now it looks like they could be.”

Buonanotte looks ready to come out

One player likely to leave the club is Facundo Buonanotte, who was loaned from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.

Reports claim that Leeds United are close to taking over the loan deal for Buonanotte, who has made just one league appearance for the Blues.

“First of all, I thought he was magnificent against Charlton [in the FA Cup]” Rosenior said.

“I think he had a very good performance and in terms of the matches and the minutes he had, they don't quite match what he wants, so we are looking for the best solution for him.

“I am in constant communication with the sporting director and the owners about potential transfers that would be good for both of us, in and out, but I told them from the moment I arrived that I wanted to look at this group. If there is anything that suits us in any position that could help the club, we will look at it.”