Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is hoping to return from a broken jaw ahead of schedule, with sources cited by The Athletic encouraged by his rehabilitation. No comeback date has been set, however, and Mike Penders continues to cover as Chelsea prepare to host Manchester United on Saturday. According to Footballtoday.com.
Martinez eyes early return from jaw surgery as Penders deputises at Chelsea
The 34-year-old initially suggested he would be sidelined for several weeks, but there is growing optimism that his recovery could be shortened. According to The Athletic, sources familiar with his rehabilitation believe he is making encouraging progress. No definitive return date has been established, and Chelsea will keep monitoring him before considering him for selection.
The injury came in Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 17. Martinez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and later required surgery. The match gave him his first clean sheet for the Blues, though he was forced off, and it ended a run of six appearances.
Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who is 21, replaced Martinez against Everton and then made his first Premier League start against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. It was a difficult afternoon in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Penders making an error for Tottenham’s opening goal.
Penders produced a more encouraging display against Liverpool in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie, although Chelsea went out after a penalty shootout. The outing adds to his first-team experience during Martinez’s absence, while manager Xabi Alonso will welcome having his experienced goalkeeper available again.
Martinez joined from Aston Villa in August for a reported £7.5million and brings considerable international experience, having played a prominent role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Chelsea are fifth after four victories from their opening eight league matches, and his potential return would add a selection option as they look to recover from consecutive domestic defeats.
