Xabi Alonso has less than a week to prepare Mike Penders for the biggest test of his career. The 21-year-old goalkeeper, whom Chelsea signed from Genk for just £17m back in August 2024, looks set to replace Emi Martinez between the sticks until the end of the year.

On Saturday afternoon, Martinez suffered a fractured jaw injury during the Blues' win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The 34-year-old shot-stopper collided with Jarrad Branthwaite as they challenged for a cross.

He received emergency on-pitch medical attention for eight minutes before eventually being stretchered off to a waiting ambulance. Martinez was whisked away to the hospital, where he underwent successful surgery, as confirmed in an official club statement after the game.

In a social media post, the Argentina international revealed that the 'operation went well' and claimed that he would be back 'in a few weeks'. Despite hopes of returning to action in November, reports in his home country suggest that he will be sidelined for a little longer.

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According to Argentine journalist Germán García Grova, who has over 175,000 followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, Martinez will be out for 45 to 60 days, essentially making him unavailable for selection until December. As it stands, it remains unclear exactly how long the goalkeeper will need to recover.

For context, when Ruben Loftus-Cheek underwent surgery on a fractured jaw earlier this year, he was sidelined for 43 days. In the absence of the World Cup winner, Penders will need to step up to the plate.

So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the games that Martinez could miss.

In the next 45 days...

If Martinez were to be sidelined for at least 45 days, he would miss six games: five in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup. Assuming there are no setbacks or complications during the rehabilitation programme, the Argentine would, in theory, not return to action until the start of December.

Tottenham Hotspur (H) – Premier League

All eyes will be on Penders when he makes his first competitive start for Chelsea this weekend. The 21-year-old didn't look out of place at all when he became the youngest goalkeeper to ever play for the Blues in the Premier League, when he came off the bench in the win over Everton, so Alonso will hope he can just hold his nerve.

Liverpool (A) – Carabao Cup fourth round

Another tough clash for Chelsea. Alonso will need the likes of Levi Colwill and Maxence Lacroix at the back, as well as Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, regardless of whether they start at Anfield, to be in Penders' ear all game.

Manchester United (H) – Premier League

Already after just two games between the sticks, Penders will probably have experienced some incredible highs and devastating lows. So, when Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge to face Manchester United, the young shot-stopper will need the crowd right behind him.

Sunderland (A) – Premier League

The Stadium of Light will be another tough venue for Alonso to navigate. Fortunately for Penders, at least, Sunderland versus Chelsea has been allocated an early Sunday kick-off, so it'll be a little more manageable than a rowdy Friday night or Saturday evening under the lights.

Leeds United (H) – Premier League

Penders has already had a taste of Leeds United at Stamford Bridge, having featured between the sticks when Chelsea came from behind to win 6-3 in the Carabao Cup third round. Although the scoreline perhaps suggests otherwise, the Blues goalkeeper did well that day; he made a handful of nice saves and wasn't actually at fault for any of the goals.

This game will be the first following the November international break.

Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League

Penders will certainly be put through the wringer in the absence of Martinez. The City Ground could swallow the young Chelsea goalkeeper up if Nottingham Forest smell blood.

Up to 60 days...

In a nightmare scenario, Martinez could be out for 45 to 60 days; he would probably miss three further games, but at least stand a chance of returning to action before Christmas. There are lots of difficult fixtures in the calendar over the festive period, so Alonso will hope Penders can weather the storm.

Crystal Palace (H) – Premier League

This fixture will be the first of many over the festive period, so it'll be a great opportunity for Penders to stake a claim for a regular place in the starting lineup ahead of Martinez's return. The Argentine may well be back in training by December, and the healthy competition could bring the best out of him.

Liverpool (H) – Premier League

On paper, it may seem pretty daunting to face Liverpool and Manchester City in quick succession. But Chelsea have the chance to land knockout blows to two direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification, just days apart from each other.

Manchester City (A) – Premier League

The trip to the Etihad Stadium will be the ultimate test of Penders. It could be a significant checkpoint in his career. The limelight, of course, will be on how the players and Alonso respond to tweedle dee and tweedle dum, but facing Erling Haaland will be no walk in the park.