On Wednesday night, the Blues' first-choice goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, made two careless mistakes that contributed to Arsenal goals in Chelsea's 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat at Stamford Bridge. Fortunately, Alejandro Garnacho's brace off the bench saved the day for Liam Rosenior's side by keeping them in the tie going into the second leg, but they will have a mountain to climb for sure.
Coincidentally on the very same day, Chelsea decided to recall one of their goalkeepers from their loan stint, just hours before taking on their London rivals. The Blues announced on their official page that they have recalled Teddy Sharman-Lowe from Bolton Wanderers.
According to The Standard, Chelsea activated a break clause in Sharman-Lowe’s contract, who had joined Bolton on a season-long loan in the summer. The report further goes to state that the Blues will now decide on the best course of action for the 22-year-old shot-stopper, with the potential that he might stay with the first-team for the rest of the season.
Sharman-Lowe made 23 appearances for League One side Bolton in the first half of the season. In November, he was named the club's Player of the Month. So, the decision to bring him back was not based on a lack of playing time.
Chelsea announce player's January return out of nowhere
The English goalie joined Chelsea from Burton Albion in 2020 and spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, where he played every minute as the club won the League Two title. Following this, he signed a new contract with the Blues until 2028 in the summer.
Sharman-Lowe has yet to make a senior appearance for the Blues since joining six years ago, instead spending his time out on several loan spells. Furthermore, he sits below Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, and Gaga Slonina in the pecking order at Chelsea.
However, now with Sharman-Lowe's arrival, it seems like Jorgensen might leave this winter, as he also wants an exit in search of playing time. This could also pave the way for the English goalkeeper to contest for the backup spot.