Chelsea Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez Targets Early Return From Injury

Chelsea Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez Targets Early Return from Injury Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is reportedly targeting an early return from injury as he works towards regaining full fitness and rejoining the team. The Argentine international is understood to be eager to return to action as quickly as possible, with his recovery progress expected to determine when he can resume competitive football. His potential return would provide Chelsea with an additional goalkeeping option as the club continues its campaign. According to Sky Sports News, Martinez has consulted a specialist about being fitted with a protective facial mask, a development that could allow him to resume playing earlier than initially anticipated. The 34-year-old underwent surgery after suffering a fractured jaw during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton earlier in October. Following the operation, the Argentine had indicated that he expected to return within a few weeks. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had also given a similar recovery timeline. In Martinez’s absence, 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders has been handed opportunities between the posts. Penders endured a difficult Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur, where an own goal contributed to Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat. However, he showed improvement against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, making important saves, including during the penalty shootout. Martinez had established himself as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper following his summer transfer from Aston Villa. Chelsea are also monitoring the fitness of defender Maxence Lacroix, who sustained a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s match against Liverpool at Anfield. Alonso confirmed that the defender would undergo further assessment to determine the seriousness of the injury. The Chelsea manager said it was too early to establish how long Lacroix would be unavailable. Chelsea are scheduled to host Manchester United on Saturday before travelling to Sunderland ahead of the international break. An earlier-than-expected return for Martinez would provide another option for Alonso as Chelsea navigate their demanding fixture schedule.