How long will he be out? Xabi Alonso reveals Emiliano Martínez's return timeline after injury
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez underwent emergency surgery after suffering a serious injury in the match against Everton, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Londoners. The Argentine sustained a fractured jaw and concussion after colliding with defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Head coach Xabi Alonso said the goalkeeper's recovery would take several weeks. However, the manager did not give an exact return date, noting that the player's condition is gradually improving. Because of the concussion, Martínez must also miss at least 14 days in accordance with the rules of the English Football Association.
In the absence of the world champion, 21-year-old Belgian Mike Penders will become Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper. He has already made his Premier League debut, coming on as a substitute against Everton and helping the team keep a clean sheet.
Alonso expressed confidence in the young goalkeeper's readiness and called him an important player for both the present and the future of the club. Penders will now have the opportunity to prove himself in the starting lineup as Chelsea hope for Martínez's speedy return.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
