Photo by Hernan Cortez/Getty Images
Photo by Hernan Cortez/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso will be counting the days until the international break is over, having already lost two Chelsea players to injury. Emi Martinez’s performance this morning will come as a relief.
With Marco Palestra, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Reece James, and Joao Pedro blocked from going away with their countries, Alonso has done everything he can to stop his players from getting injured.
But he couldn’t stop everyone, and for the likes of Morgan Rogers, Martinez, Maxence Lacroix, and other key players with their countries, Alonso will be desperate to avoid more injuries for the rest of the break.
READ MORE: Rogers tells priority Chelsea target Alex Scott he is “proud” of him
Argentine media’s verdict on Martinez will delight Alonso
Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens has already been spotted on crutches after an injury with England’s U21 side, while Mike Penders has not been involved in Belgium’s first two games after picking up a muscle issue.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Argentina played host to Bolivia. Martinez started and finished the match, but Alonso will be delighted – and not just because it is Martinez’s first clean sheet of 26-27.
A split of four graphic titled: "Has Chelsea's change in transfer approached worked?!" Image shows Emi Martinez, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix playing for Chelsea.
A split of four graphic titled: "Has Chelsea's change in transfer approached worked?!" Image shows Emi Martinez, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix playing for Chelsea.
Argentine media say he had little to do. The stats say the same thing: Bolivia managed just three shots and only four touches in Argentina’s box throughout – with Martinez escaping a single shot on target.
Ole gave Martinez a 6/10 rating, saying: “Perhaps Dibu didn’t even need to take a bath, because he wasn’t involved at all. He was the captain when Cuti was substituted.” TyC Sports said he had a “minor role”.
Nine more days to go until Chelsea face Bournemouth
It’s not long now; Chelsea face Bournemouth on October 10, and it is creeping around. While there has been criticism of Palmer after withdrawing from England’s squad, Alonso will surely be pleased so far.
Yes, Penders and Gittens’ injuries are bad news. But he’s managed to keep his key players at home, giving them a rest and the chance to recover. Other key players involved have so far remained injury-free.
There are still plenty more games to play. Rogers and England play another two matches. Martinez and Valentin Barco are the same; Alonso will be closely following his in-action players until they return safely.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Split image with four players, which includes: Bruno Guimaraes, Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Manu Kone
Split image with four players, which includes: Bruno Guimaraes, Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Manu Kone
Photo by Marc Atkins/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images