Xabi Alonso sits in Stamford Bridge dugout during Chelsea's Carabao Cup win over Leeds United
Chelsea's back-up goalkeeper Mike Penders is reportedly set to miss Belgium’s Nations League clash against Italy in another injury scare.
The Blues have been hit with concerns in the start to the extended autumn international break.
Mike Penders claps Chelsea's fans against Hull4
Penders has featured as Chelsea's second-choice goalkeeper this term
Both Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer pulled out of the Brazil and England squads respectively due to injury.
What issue is Mike Penders dealing with?
And while Penders hasn't yet had to take the same action, according to reports in Belgium, he is set to sit out the first of his national team's four games over the coming weeks.
He is said to have suffered a quadriceps injury in training which will deny him the chance of a first senior international cap on Friday.
It has also been claimed that Penders has been left in Belgium to continue his rehabilitation at the national training centre in Tubize.
The Red Devils take on Italy tonight at Roma's Stadio Olimpico in their first match since their World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain.
Though the extent of Penders' injury is unknown, the fact he has remained on international duty comes as some encouragement.
However, the 21-year-old is now considered a major doubt for Monday’s clash against France, given that quadriceps injuries can take anywhere from one to three weeks to heal for mild strains.
Chelsea will be hoping this is the case, with a severe tear or a rupture potentially requiring surgery and can take three to six months to heal.
Amorim issues three-word message to viral Man United fanHavertz injured after clash with Timber's brother as Klopp gives update on Arsenal starWest Ham handed stadium boost as door opened for major dealRadical idea to eliminate park the bus football proposed
When did Mike Penders join Chelsea?
Penders officially arrived at Chelsea from Genk for £17million in the summer of 2025 - a year after the deal was first agreed.
He spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at sister club Strasbourg, where he impressed by keeping 23 clean sheets in 52 games altogether.
This saw Penders earn a place in Belgium's World Cup squad, although he was an unused substitute throughout the tournament.
Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro before the FA Cup Final4
Two of Chelsea's feared front three - Palmer and Pedro - have already withdrawn from international duty
Mike Penders at the World Cup4
Penders was Belgium's third-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, with Manchester United's Senne Lammens preferred as back-up
As of yet, the shot-stopper is still yet to make his senior international debut, having only ever been on the bench during national team games since receiving his first call-up in August 2025.
He made his Chelsea debut in their Carabao Cup second round win over Luton in August, before making his second start in the third round victory against Leeds.
However, Penders has remained second-choice to summer signing Emi Martinez in the Premier League this term.
That's despite the Belgian previously being tipped to become Chelsea's long-term No.1, having drawn comparisons to international teammate and ex-Blues star Thibaut Courtois.
Discussing Penders' progress last month, manager Xabi Alonso said: “We want that he enjoys [himself], that he has composure and maturity, that he gets used to playing in a new stadium with new team-mates.
“So far, he is very mature for his age – it was great that he played very competitive football last year in Strasbourg. Now this is the next step, and we need to help him.”
Mike Penders celebrates Chelsea's win over Leeds4
Penders has won both games in which he has started in the Carabao Cup
With Martinez set to remain Chelsea’s No.1 for the foreseeable future, the cup competitions offer Penders a chance to impress this season.
Who else is out injured for Chelsea?
Along with Penders' reported knock and Jesus and Palmer, skipper Reece James was left out of England's squad due to a minor hamstring niggle.
Summer signing Marco Palestra is still still yet to make his debut as he deals with a groin issue.
Meanwhile Moises Caiceco and Emmanuel Emegha have been hampered by calf and hamstring injuries respectively.