Emiliano Martinez - General
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has named Emiliano Martinez in the national squad for November. The player has recovered from a fractured jaw that he suffered against Everton and will now join the team wearing a protective mask.
Chelsea handed boost as Martinez returns to Argentina squad
Chelsea have received a boost regarding the availability of Emiliano Martinez. He had fractured his jaw in a clash during a match against Everton. He had surgery and has been out of action since October 17.
As reported by Sports Mole, Scaloni has named the player to his latest squad. This call up during the break shows that the Premier League goalkeeper is close to playing football again. Scaloni chose the player as he provides valuable experience and leadership to the squad.
The coaching staff want the player to regain his match sharpness during the break. His addition shows that the goalkeeper is actually recovering faster than the club doctors expected.
He continues to work hard in training to secure the starting role. Alonso and the club trust him completely and they will not rush the player until the medical staff fully clear.
Emiliano Martinez’s stats for Chelsea so far this season as per FOTMOB-
Competition Appearances Shots Faced Goals Conceded Clean Sheets Save Percentage (%)
Premier League 6 36 11 1 69.4%
Alonso to replace Mike Penders with Emiliano Martinez for Sunderland?
Alonso faces a tough choice in goal against Sunderland. Summer signing Martinez joined from Aston Villa as the main goalkeeper. However his injury has opened the door for young Mike Penders to gain playing time and showcase his talent at the club.
Penders made a mistake in the match against Tottenham earlier this season. Since then the player has responded with strong performances between the posts for Chelsea. He has conceded only one goal against premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United
His performances this season show that he deserves to keep the spot for the trip to the Stadium of Light. Alonso knows that he can rely on the keeper and not rush Martinez straight back into action.
Backing the player rewards his current form, protects team momentum and also helps maintain defensive consistency across the injury-ridden Chelsea backline during this tough stretch of the season.
Mike Penders - General
What lies ahead for Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation after International break
Alonso must pick Chelsea’s starting keeper after the international break. Another solid display at the Stadium of Light will surely strengthen the Belgian’s strong claim to the starting spot.
Martinez will use his time with Argentina to rebuild his fitness and sharp reflexes. Training with his national team lets the experienced goalkeeper safely test his recovery in a top-level environment.
Penders brings great form, high confidence and match rhythm while veteran Martinez adds vital experience and strong leadership. The coaching staff and medical team will carefully test and check both keepers before picking the keeper for the next game. Alonso faces a tough choice as both keepers plan to impress in training hoping to make the starting goalkeeper’s spot their own.
Author’s Opinion
Alonso should pick Penders for the Sunderland game to reward his form and show trust in the young keeper, rushing Martinez before the international break brings unnecessary risks towards his long term recovery. Giving the young Belgian another start helps build his confidence while allowing Martinez to fully recover.