Chelsea's Robert Sanchez to miss start of preseason with injury

Chelsea will begin its preseason schedule without Robert Sanchez after the goalkeeper picked up a minor injury. Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed the issue kept the Spaniard out of the friendly against Tottenham, which Chelsea lost 2-1. The keeper is expected to rejoin the squad during the Asian leg of the tour, where he can continue his rehabilitation and start building toward the new season. Missing that stretch means Sanchez will sit out several key warmup games, possibly opening the door for competition in the No. 1 spot before competitive matches begin. Earlier reports also said Real had scouts watching Chelsea's leader.