The key facts

  • Penders became the youngest goalkeeper in Chelsea's Premier League history, replacing the injured Martinez in the match against Everton (2:0)
  • Alonso compared the Belgian to Courtois: height, left foot, dominance in the air
  • Martinez underwent surgery on his broken jaw; Alonso hopes he will miss only a few weeks

Penders got his chance due to Martinez's injury

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso backed 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, who, according to him, is capable of taking the place of Emi Martinez, who is out through injury. Martinez, who broke his jaw, underwent surgery. Penders came on as a substitute in the second half of the away match against Everton, which Chelsea won 2:0, and became the youngest goalkeeper in the club's Premier League history. According to AFP, Martinez received treatment on the pitch for eight minutes before being carried off on a stretcher at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Alonso draws parallels with Courtois

Alonso saw similarities in Penders to Thibaut Courtois, who played for Chelsea from 2011 to 2018 (the first three seasons on loan at Atletico) and worked under Alonso at Real Madrid. 'A lot (in common), and not only because of their nationality,' Alonso said about the two Belgians. 'In terms of size, both are left-footed, both dominate in the air. I spoke with Thibaut at the World Cup and asked him about Mike. He himself said he sees the similarity.' According to the coach, the club needs to help and support the young goalkeeper: 'He is a goalkeeper for both the present and the future.'

Readiness and Martinez's recovery timeline

Chelsea agreed the transfer of Penders two years ago, but he spent two seasons at Genk and then on loan at Strasbourg — a partner club of the Londoners. 'He is ready,' Alonso said. 'He trained well, played a couple of cup matches, showed a good level. When he came on against Everton, he demonstrated character and quality. We are fully confident that Mike can play very well.' Speaking about Martinez, Alonso expressed hope that the Argentine goalkeeper will be out for only a short time: 'A few weeks, hopefully fewer rather than more. The good thing is that he is feeling better. We need to listen to his feelings and the opinion of doctors and specialists. Considering the injury was serious, he looks pretty good.' Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Manchester City, and will face Tottenham on Saturday.