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Emi Martinez has made a surprise, early return to Chelsea training ahead of this weekend’s clash against Sunderland, having been called up to play for Argentina during the break.
The Chelsea goalkeeper has been recovering from jaw surgery after a nasty collision with Everton player Jarrad Branthwaite during the 2-0 win at the Hill Dickinson. Initial reports said he’d be out for 40 days.
That would see Martinez miss four Chelsea games before the break, two with Argentina during the break, and then two more afterwards, against Leeds and Forest. But already, Martinez has returned to training.
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Argentine media spot Martinez’s jaw protection in training
Having missed games against Tottenham, Liverpool and Man United, Martinez is pushing Xabi Alonso to start him on Sunday. It comes after he joined Jordan Henderson and Aaron Anselmino in Chelsea training.
But Argentine outlet La 100, who were across Martinez’s return to training following the announcement he would play for Argentina during the break, spotted something unusual about his presence in training.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
Josh's best position is at CB and not RB
A back 3 and a back 4 are 2 different things at back 4 Josh should partner with Colwil at CB while James or Palestra or Gusto has to take the RB position buh if James is fit no one can take that position
Josh has played CB previously but has played at RB or the right side of a back 3 and is growing with every game. He cannot be dropped IMO
Indeed, they show an image of Martinez wearing a hat, with what appears to be protective strapping around his jaw and the bottom of his face. It is likely Martinez will have to wear it if he plays on Sunday.
If Martinez is given the chance to return to the starting XI on Sunday, it will be harsh on his understudy, Mike Penders, who has been excellent in the last couple of games against Liverpool and Man United.
Emi Martinez could end up being ready five games early
It is a remarkable recovery. Just two weeks ago, Martinez posted a groggy-looking selfie after undergoing surgery on his jaw. Now, he’s ready to put himself in the firing line again when Chelsea face Sunderland.
Argentina will face Uruguay on November 14, while they also take on Costa Rica three days later. A step up from the games against African opposition in the last break, which included Lionel Messi’s last outing.
Sunderland, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Leeds and Forest were all expected to be games that Martinez missed during his recovery. But to the delight of Alonso and Lionel Scaloni, it looks like Martinez will be ready.