Chelsea star Emiliano Martínez is responding well in training and Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni will decide over his involvement during the ongoing international break.
In August, the goalkeeper left Aston Villa for Chelsea and immediately became the No.1 under Xabi Alonso.
The 34-year-old has made six appearances for the Blues, keeping one clean sheet and letting in 11 goals.
After the last international break, he started in his side’s 2-0 league win over Everton. The Argentina international suffered a fractured jaw after colliding with James Tarkowski. He successfully underwent surgery and has yet to make an appearance since then.
Chelsea player’s quick recovery
On October 31st, Emiliano Martínez was confident about making it to Lionel Scaloni’s list for November’s fixtures.
He said: “I don’t know if I’ll be ready for the first or second game; that will depend on my fitness and how well I progress during the week.”
Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered a report from Argentina about his unusual quick recovery that has seen him already train with Chelsea. The stopper has also trained with the national team this week.
Argentina doctor Daniel Martínez spoke to TyC Sports about the Blues star’s recovery.
“He consulted with the specialists the club designated, and everything has progressed very well. Fortunately, in addition to his character, he has recovered well and followed all the necessary steps,” he said.
“It was a major injury, but he’s already training. He started training with his club last week. He even trained with the team on Friday and Saturday. It was decided that he wouldn’t play, but he trained normally. He’s training here. We’re keeping a close eye on him, observing his movements, and he’s responding very well.”
Scaloni to make final decision about Chelsea man
Daniel Martínez confirmed national team medical staff and coaching staff are working closely with Emiliano. Lionel Scaloni will make the final decision over his involvement in the friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica.
“There are factors that the coaching staff is discussing with him, specifically related to the sporting aspects,” Daniel explained.
“From the moment he started training with the club, he was practically ready to play. The decision was made that he wouldn’t play, but he was training with the team. He’s doing the same thing here: training with the team, with protective gear, of course. He needs protection.”
“He trained with the team yesterday and today, and he’s responding well. We’ll see how he is tomorrow morning. It’s the day before the match. The final decision isn’t based on my opinion; there are a lot of factors involved.”
The national team doctor also talked about the coordination with the Premier League side.
“It was all part of a training plan that was carried out step by step. Martín Tocalli, the goalkeeping coach, was even there. There’s continuity with the work done with the club. We’ve been in constant contact. He’s been training normally with the squad at the club. We hope everything continues to go as well as it is now,” he added.
