Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could return sooner than expected after suffering a blow earlier this month.
The Argentina international joined the Premier League side from Aston Villa towards the end of August. Xabi Alonso immediately made him his new No.1, and the stopper has one clean sheet and has conceded 11 goals from six matches.
After representing Argentina during the last international break, he started in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton on October 17th.
In the second half, the 34-year-old suffered a blow after a collision with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. He was stretchered off the pitch and Mike Penders came on to replace him.
Positive update on Chelsea player
The former Arsenal man underwent surgery after tests confirmed a fractured jaw. El Intransigente now looks at the goalkeeper’s injury situation, what happened behind the scenes and when he could return.
The initial estimation was for Emiliano Martínez to be out of action for around 40 days, meaning he was to miss November’s international break. La Albiceleste have friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica.
Earlier this week, Xabi Alonso confirmed the Chelsea summer signing is doing better and hopes for him to return in a few weeks.
Journalist Martín Arévalo has shared positive updates about the stopper’s recovery, and the outlet have relayed his comments.
Chelsea man could recover for international break
Argentina’s friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica are one 13th and 17th November respectively. Martín Arévalo states Emiliano Martínez is taking the necessary steps to make himself available for selection for the upcoming international break.
“Dibu Martínez is very close to being called up for the next squad. The news we’re hearing is very positive. Yesterday he saw a specialist,” he said.
“Yesterday he was trying on goalkeeping masks so he can start making saves again. Next week, he’ll start training on the pitch and, if all goes well, he’ll be included in the national team squad to play in the friendlies.”
In his absence, Chelsea lost two matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool [in the EFL Cup]. Xabi Alonso will be eagerly waiting for the South American to return to the pitch.
Meanwhile, the west London club are looking at other goalkeepers. On October 9th, Sport Witness relayed news of the Blues sensing an opportunity to snatch Leonard Prescott from Bayern Munich as his contract expires next June.
