Mike Penders is set to replace Emi Martinez for the next few weeks after his jaw injury during Chelsea’s win over Everton – but what is the feeling around Penders behind the scenes at Chelsea?
Martinez has undergone jaw surgery after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The World Cup winner is now due to miss 40 days of action, meaning he will miss eight games for club and country.
It sees 21-year-old Penders come to the fore, having started both Carabao Cup games against Luton and Leeds. The Belgian stopper became Chelsea’s youngest-ever Premier League keeper when he came on.
Chelsea insiders are confident Penders will repay their faith
Penders starred for Strasbourg on loan last season, much of which came under Liam Rosenior who is now impressing as Paris FC manager. Rosenior has guided Paris to third in Ligue 1, level on points with PSG.
Meanwhile, Penders will start in goal on Saturday evening when Chelsea host rivals Tottenham. There is pressure, there is being thrown in at the deep end, and then there is a first league start against Spurs.
Mike Penders and Robert Sanchez at Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
But according to Flash Scores, Chelsea insiders are not worried about Penders and believe the Belgian has the quality and the confidence to repay the faith shown in him, having kept Penders in the summer.
With Alonso choosing to sign Martinez from Aston Villa, Chelsea had a decision to make. Keep Robert Sanchez and loan out Penders, or get rid of Sanchez and keep Penders. Sanchez was loaned to Como.
Stuart Pearce was watching Chelsea’s win over Everton on Saturday, and Pearce was impressed by his cameo after replacing Martinez, particularly praising Penders for punching a cross 17 yards from goal.
Penders could still be allowed to leave Chelsea in January
The same report indicates that there were offers for former Genk goalkeeper Penders in the summer, amid the goalkeeping turnover Chelsea embarked on. But in January, Penders could still go on loan.
FlashScores say there was ‘considerable’ interest in Penders during the summer window, and January offers are expected for the goalkeeper. However, this is a chance to prove he is worthy of his place.
Penders will start against Spurs on Saturday, before facing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and then Manchester United. An incredibly tough run of games, with Alonso facing his toughest spell as boss.