Emiliano Martínez may start for Chelsea three weeks after jaw fracture
The goalkeeper has been cleared by medical staff and is training with a protective mask; a final decision will follow the last session.
Emiliano Martínez could be back in Chelsea's starting line‑up as soon as Sunday, just three weeks after suffering a fractured jaw in the match against Everton. The Argentina international has progressed quicker than expected and has been training while wearing a specialised protective mask.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that the club's medical staff have given Martínez the green light, but said the final decision on whether the goalkeeper will start against Sunderland will be made after the final training session before the game.
The injury occurred during the Everton fixture and required Martínez to step away from action; the fact that he is already training with the squad marks a notably rapid recovery for a jaw fracture.
Martínez has been practising with a custom mask designed to shield the injured area while allowing him full range of motion for shot‑stopping and distribution. The staff have been monitoring his sessions closely to ensure there are no setbacks ahead of the weekend match.
“It's great that Emi put in so much effort to come back. He recovered faster than expected,” Alonso said, adding that the mask does not prevent him from playing, although he is still getting used to it.
Alonso said the medical clearance was an important step but stressed that the coaching staff will assess Martínez's readiness during the last training before naming the official squad and the starting XI for the Sunderland game.
Photo: press material from the event
