The Argentine international suffered a broken jaw in a collision with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, forcing him to undergo surgery and sidelining him for several weeks.

Chelsea Rework Goalkeeping Plans as Emi Martinez Faces Surgery

This setback has compelled manager Xabi Alonso to reshuffle his goalkeeping options ahead of a critical run of fixtures.

In Martinez’s absence, 21-year-old Mike Penders has emerged as the leading candidate to start.

The Belgian youth international, who joined Chelsea from Genk in 2024, made an immediate impact by helping the Blues secure a 2-0 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium after coming on as a substitute.

Penders, who impressed during a loan spell at Strasbourg last season with eight clean sheets in 33 Ligue 1 appearances, is now expected to make his full Premier League debut against Tottenham on Saturday.

Alonso has expressed full confidence in the young shot-stopper.

“He has personality, is brave, and we have full trust in him. Whenever he is needed, he can perform,” the Chelsea boss stated after Penders’ league debut.

Penders’ promotion has a knock-on effect, elevating 23-year-old Teddy Sharman-Lowe to the role of second-choice goalkeeper.

Sharman-Lowe, a former England youth international, has gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Doncaster Rovers and Bolton Wanderers and now finds himself one injury away from making his senior debut for the Blues.

Alonso must now carefully manage his young goalkeepers as Chelsea prepares to face Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the coming weeks.

While Martinez’s recovery remains the priority, this challenging period presents a golden opportunity for Penders to prove he has the temperament and talent to be a long-term first-team goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.