Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been called up to Argentina’s squad for their November friendly games. Lionel Scaloni revealed details of his 28-man squad on Tuesday (November 3), including Chelsea teammate Valentin Barco and a maiden senior call-up for Aaron Anselmino.
The Albiceleste play Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on November 13, followed by a game against Costa Rica at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba four days later. It is the first time Scaloni has released a squad since Lionel Messi retired from international football. Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez and Cristian Romero are out with injuries.
Emi Martinez, 34, has not featured since October 17, when he was stretchered off in Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton. He suffered a clash of heads with Jarrad Branthwaite, which left him with a concussion and a fractured jaw that required surgery. Even so, he will still need to be assessed before Argentina’s games.
Arguably the biggest surprise of the squad is Anselmino. The 21-year-old has not featured in any competitive games for the Blues this season. The centre-back picked up an injury in a pre-season friendly against Johor Darul Ta’zim in August and has been in only one matchday squad since. Anselmino was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup win over Luton Town.
Ahead of last weekend’s clash with Manchester United, Xabi Alonso said it “will take a few weeks” until Anselmino is fully fit. Alonso also added that the club must be careful with the former Boca Juniors defender as he has had injury problems.
Xabi Alonso Admits Emi Martinez Could Return Against Sunderland
There is no definitive answer on whether Martinez will be fit to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Initial reports suggested that the 34-year-old could be out for up to six weeks, but his recovery is said to be ahead of schedule.
Alonso said last Friday that there is a chance Martinez features in the final game before the international break. But the Spaniard added that they need to wait to see how he progresses over the course of the week. If Martinez is cleared to play, he will likely have to wear a face mask.
Mike Penders has stepped in while Martinez has been out. The 21-year-old Belgian made his Premier League debut as a sub against Everton. Once Chelsea have assessed the veteran, we should get a better idea of how fit he will be before he and his three Argentine teammates head off on international duty.