Argentina’s medical staff have provided an encouraging update on Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez, confirming that he has resumed training after suffering a serious jaw injury. According to Football London on Thursday, November 12, 2026, the goalkeeper has returned to work with the national team ahead of their international friendly against Uruguay, offering hope about the progress of his recovery.

Although Martinez has made significant strides, he was not included in Chelsea’s squad for last week’s Premier League trip to Sunderland, despite having returned to training. His initial prognosis suggested he could be sidelined for approximately 40 days, potentially ruling him out of Argentina’s fixtures as well as Chelsea’s league meetings with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had previously indicated that the goalkeeper would need between seven and 10 days before being ready to play again. Martinez was reportedly eager to feature against Sunderland, but the club opted not to take a risk with his recovery.

His rehabilitation has progressed more quickly than initially anticipated, raising the possibility that he could feature for Argentina against Uruguay. The goalkeeper has reportedly been training while wearing a protective face mask and other equipment designed to safeguard his jaw if he returns to competitive action.

Argentina team doctor Daniel Martinez has offered a positive assessment of the Chelsea player’s condition, explaining that he has responded well despite the seriousness of the injury.

“It was a significant injury, but he has already returned to training,” the doctor told TyC Sports.

He added that Martinez had started working with Chelsea during the previous week and continued training despite being left out of the squad against Sunderland. The medical team is monitoring his progress closely as he gradually increases his workload.

The doctor also revealed that the goalkeeper had come close to being available for the Sunderland fixture. He explained that Martinez was now training with Argentina while wearing the required protective equipment and had completed sessions with the group on both of the previous two days.

According to the medical official, the situation is developing positively, although a final decision on the goalkeeper’s availability will only be made after further assessments before the Uruguay encounter. His participation therefore remains dependent on how he responds to the checks.

Argentina have other options available, including Manchester City goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who could be selected if Martinez is not considered ready. Chelsea would reportedly prefer their goalkeeper to avoid unnecessary risks in an international friendly, particularly after the severity of his injury.

Rulli could consequently be given the starting role against Uruguay, with Martinez potentially considered for Argentina’s subsequent meeting with Costa Rica. Such an approach would allow the Chelsea goalkeeper additional time to build confidence and continue his recovery before returning to competitive action.

Nevertheless, Martinez is reportedly determined to represent his country and is keen to play during the international break. His progress has been encouraging, but Argentina’s medical staff must decide whether he is sufficiently recovered to participate without jeopardising his fitness.