Chelsea could be without no.1 goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, for “between 45 and 60 days”, according to journalist German Garcia Grova.

The TyC Sports reporter confirmed that the Argentinian international had “successful surgery” on a fractured jaw.

However, unlike Martinez himself, who suggested he may only miss a “few weeks” of action, Garcia Grova claims the Blues will be without the keeper for considerably longer.

Based on his estimate, the 34-year-old may not be available again until the middle of December.

How many matches could Martinez miss?

With Chelsea not being in Europe this season, Xabi Alonso’s side have fewer games to play over the next couple of months. They have nine in total.

There are eight Premier League fixtures, including Tottenham (h), Manchester United (h), Sunderland (a), Leeds (h), Nottingham Forest (a), Crystal Palace (h), Liverpool (h) and Manchester City (a).

The Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool is also scheduled for next week – Wednesday 28th October- and if Alonso’s men make it through, they would play the quarter-final either on December 15th or 16th. Martinez could potentially be back for that game depending on how his recovery goes.

Chelsea will have to rely on their backup

Mike Penders will be keen to impress when he is handed the gloves. The Belgian was tipped to take the No. 1 spot this season by some before the arrival of Martinez.

He had an impressive campaign out on loan at Strasbourg, having initially signed from Genk for £17m in the summer of 2024.

Despite Penders’ undoubted talent, though, Alonso will see Martinez’s absence as a blow, especially as another key player, captain Reece James, has also been ruled out for a lengthy period.

It was revealed last week that the England international had undergone surgery on a knee injury, and he could be absent for up to three months.