Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior insisted that he does not have a number one or number two at the goalkeeper position in the wake of Robert Sanchez’s error-strewn performance against Arsenal, as the Blues turn their attention to a Premier League clash with Brentford amid the backdrop of a virus in the camp.

Sanchez was at fault for each of Arsenal’s first two goals in the Gunners’ 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie on Wednesday. He first failed to make contact with a corner that Ben White turned home, before then proving unable to collect a low ball into the box that squirmed into the path of Viktor Gyokeres to tap in.

Alejandro Garnacho’s double meant that, despite Martin Zubimendi scoring a third for Arsenal, the tie is still alive.

However, there is clear scrutiny on Sanchez, and the recently appointed Rosenior did not exactly provide a vote of confidence when asked if the Spaniard was his number one ahead of Filip Jorgensen.

Rosenior: I don’t do number ones or number twos

Rosenior, who said in the immediate aftermath of the Arsenal defeat that Sanchez’s errors were “on me”, told a pre-match press conference: “It is the same for every position. I am here to assess every position. I don’t have number ones or number twos, 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 spot in this team. I have a very good squad so for me that is the message to all of the players.

“I don’t have guaranteed numbers ones or number nines, they have to earn their place in the team.”

Chelsea hit by virus

Chelsea’s London derby with Brentford is a key game in a congested fight for Champions League football. The Blues are winless in their last five league matches, a run that took place under Enzo Maresca, and are four points off the top four in eighth.

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

Yet a virus may limit some of Rosenior’s selection choices for his first league game in charge.

“Liam [Delap] is still at home at the moment, as is Jamie Gittens,” Rosenior explained. “The club doctors are doing everything they can to contain what looks to be a virus become some members of our staff have gone down as well. 

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

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

“Both of them are training today,” added Rosenior.

“We just need to assess them after training and make sure they come through all the protocols they need to come through but it would be great to have them back in the squad and at the moment, it looks like they could be.”

Buonanotte looks set for exit

One player who may be set to leave the club is Facundo Buonanotte, who joined on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.

Reports claim Leeds United are set to take over loan deal for Buonanotte, who has made only one league appearance for the Blues.

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

“I thought he gave a really good performance and in terms of the games and minutes he had, they aren’t quite what he wants so we are looking into the best solution for him.

“I am in constant communication with the sporting director and ownership about potential transfers that would be good for us both coming in and going out but I said to them when I first came in that I want to look at this group. If something is right for us in any position that could help the club then we will look at it.”