Arguably Chelsea’s three most exciting loanees are all at Strasbourg for the 2025/26 season, however one of those recently suffered an injury and was forced to be subbed off.
Goalkeeper Mike Penders has instantly become the starting goalkeeper for the BlueCo club following the departure of Djordje Petrovic over the summer.
In the first Ligue 1 game of the season, Penders kept a clean sheet, with plenty of help from fellow Chelsea loanee Mamadou Sarr in defence.
In their efforts to secure qualification for the Conference League this season, the Belgian started in goal against Brondby, but he was subbed off after picking up an injury in the 0-0 draw.
Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Mike Penders injury update is good news for Strasbourg and Chelsea
This ruled the youngster out of their narrow win over Nantes at the weekend, and he now faces a race against time to be fit for the second leg this week.
Any fears of a serious injury to Penders have been relieved though. Journalist Simon Johnson has stated that he is expected to return very soon, although did not confirm if that would be in time for the second leg of their Conference League play-off.
He said: “Just a small update on Chelsea loanee Mike Penders, who had to be subbed due to injury v Brondby last week. It was only a dead leg and Strasbourg expect him to return very soon.”
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Chelsea will be hoping that Penders’ loan to France is going to follow the same path as Andrey Santos, with him now in line for regular minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Mike Penders of Chelsea FC holding Club World Cup trophy
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Chelsea very excited by Mike Penders
With comparisons already made to former Blue and fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois, there is plenty of optimism over what the goalkeeper can do when finally given a chance at Chelsea.
It has already been said that the club do not want to send the shot stopper on loan too many times, like they had previously done with Courtois.
Chelsea are concerned Penders won’t form a connection with the club if he spends years away from Stamford Bridge, and will not be as keen on staying when he approaches his prime.
With the under-pressure Robert Sanchez still starting the season as Blues goalkeeper, it feels like a new signing is not being made due to the expectation that Penders will break through very soon.