Enzo Maresca has been given an up close look at a number of players tipped to be the future of Chelsea during training sessions in the United States.
The Blues took a number of new players to the Club World Cup after the gruelling season experienced by the first team squad, and the likes of Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo have already been given the chance to make their competitive debuts.
While Kendry Paez was not picked for the side, he eventually travelled with the squad to America, however remains unavailable for selection.
One player who was picked but is yet to receive any minutes up to now is goalkeeper Mike Penders. He was one of four to be selected in his position, while Djordje Petrovic was left at home.
Mike Penders warms up before Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The expectation before the tournament began was that this tour with the Blues would be followed by a loan spell away from the club, likely at former club Genk.
However, journalist Bob Faesen has explained that the youngster will now not be going back to the Belgian side, with Chelsea indicating that they do not want him to leave on loan this summer.
He said: “Mike Penders will not return to Racing Genk. Chelsea has indicated that it does not want to loan out the young goalkeeper. Genk will therefore look for a new goalkeeper.”
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Despite being just 19 years of age, he has experience under his belt as a number one goalkeeper at a top European side, and Penders backs himself to already be good enough for Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca on the bench during Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Chelsea ‘very scared’ about Penders
Despite having the cards in their hands when it comes to the future of the goalkeeper, they are worried about the process of integrating him into the squad alongside getting him gametime.
Having learnt from the Thibaut Courtois saga, Chelsea are keen for Penders to not spend too long away on loan, and grow a connection with his new club instead.
The goalkeeper scenario at Stamford Bridge is continuing to play out, with very little clarity over who will remain at the club next season.
Petrovic is up for sale, while Robert Sanchez has been told he can leave the club, with Maresca clearly unhappy with those who were available to him last season.