Emiliano Martínez is back on the training pitch, which is encouraging news for Chelsea. But his recovery has come with a rather unusual problem.
The Argentine goalkeeper is still unable to eat solid food. And while his fractured jaw appears to be healing well, his body is feeling the effects.
It has been less than a month since Martínez was stretchered off against Everton. A collision with Jarrad Branthwaite on October 17th left him needing surgery, with a metal plate, four screws and three teeth requiring attention.
The original estimate was around 40 days on the sidelines – meaning more time for Mike Penders between the posts. Yet here he is, already training with Argentina and hoping to play twice during the international break.
Getting back onto the pitch, though, is proving easier than getting back to normal life.
Inside Martínez’s recovery – An unexpected obstacle
Argentine newspaper Página 12 has detailed the goalkeeper’s return to training with the national team.
Martínez joined his teammates at Argentina’s training complex in Ezeiza on Tuesday. The newspaper describes him as looking recovered from his jaw fracture, although there’s a catch.
He still cannot eat solid food because of the injury. That restriction is affecting his strength, something he has noticed during training sessions.
Only recently, the 34-year-old was visiting a specialist and trying on protective goalkeeping masks. The idea was to get him back making saves without putting his injured jaw at unnecessary risk. He used one for a bit, but now he’s able to play without any protection again.
Now he’s training with Lionel Scaloni’s squad, with Friday’s friendly against Uruguay already in his sights. Martínez has also spoken openly about the surgery itself.
“They put in a plate with four screws and secured three teeth. They put one screw in from the outside and the rest from the inside,” he explained.
Not exactly a minor knock.
Martínez wants to play – Argentina aren’t taking chances
The Chelsea goalkeeper has made his intentions clear. He wants to be involved against Uruguay on Friday and Costa Rica next Tuesday.
“I spoke to Martín [Tocalli] and Scaloni, and my plan is to be there for both matches and play,” he said.
“I don’t know if I’ll make the first or the second game. That will depend on contact and how things go during the week.”
Página 12 explains that Argentina’s coaching staff want to avoid taking unnecessary risks with his recovery. They haven’t ruled out giving him minutes in both friendlies, potentially from the bench.
If he isn’t physically ready, Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso will compete to start against Uruguay.
