Chelsea have a new goalkeeper plan after Emi Martinez injury
Chelsea's goalkeeping plans have taken an unexpected turn after Emi Martinez suffered a broken jaw against Everton, leaving Xabi Alonso without his first-choice goalkeeper for the coming weeks.
The Argentine underwent surgery following the collision with Jarrad Branthwaite, meaning Mike Penders was thrown into the action at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The 21-year-old helped the Blues secure a 2-0 victory, but his role is about to become much more important.
With Teddy Sharman-Lowe also moving up the pecking order, Alonso has some decisions to make as Chelsea prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
Mike Penders is about to get his big Chelsea chance
Penders is expected to start against Tottenham on Saturday as he prepares for his first full Premier League debut in Chelsea's starting XI.
The Belgian has been highly rated for some time, with the Blues agreeing a deal to sign him from Genk in 2024 before he arrived in west London the following year.
His loan spell at Strasbourg last season proved particularly valuable. Penders kept eight clean sheets in 33 Ligue 1 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in European football.
The Blues' coaching team have clearly seen enough to believe he can make the step up, and Alonso has already made his feelings clear.
“He has personality, is brave, and we have full trust in him. Whenever he is needed, he can perform,” the Chelsea boss said after Penders made his Premier League debut against Everton.
That is some high praise indeed, especially with Martinez missing several weeks of action.
Penders will have to adapt quickly, with Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United among Chelsea's upcoming opponents. It is going to be a huge test for a young player who has only just made the move to England, but it is also the sort of opportunity that could accelerate his development.
Teddy Sharman-Lowe moves up the ranks
Penders stepping into the starting XI also means Teddy Sharman-Lowe is moving up to become Chelsea's second-choice goalkeeper.
The former England youth international has gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Doncaster Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. He is now one injury away from making his senior debut for the Blues.
That is a notable change for the 23-year-old, who had been further down the goalkeeping pecking order than Penders.
There is an interesting question over how Alonso will manage the pair during Martinez's absence. Penders is the obvious choice to start, but Sharman-Lowe could be needed if another injury strikes or the Belgian struggles.
For Chelsea, the priority is making sure Martinez recovers properly rather than rushing him back. His absence is an unwanted setback, but it gives Penders the chance to show why the club have such high hopes for him.
If he handles the pressure well, this spell could prove an important step towards becoming a regular first-team goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.
Who knows. Football is a funny ol' game.
