Chelsea have received encouraging news concerning Emiliano Martínez after Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni named the injured goalkeeper in his squad for the November international break, according to Sports Mole on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. His inclusion has raised optimism that the 34-year-old may be approaching a return after being sidelined in recent weeks.

Martínez fractured his jaw during Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Everton on October 17. The injury followed a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and required surgery. Since then, he has been unavailable to manager Xabi Alonso, who has had to make alternative arrangements in goal.

There have been suggestions that the goalkeeper could recover sooner than first anticipated by using a protective face mask. Such equipment could allow him to return earlier, although his fitness and medical clearance will determine when he can resume playing.

Alonso has not ruled out Martínez being involved when Chelsea face Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday. The manager’s comments had offered encouragement, and Scaloni’s decision to select the goalkeeper has added to expectations that his recovery is progressing.

Argentina confirmed its squad on Tuesday night, with Martínez included for the forthcoming international fixtures. The call-up is positive for Chelsea, but selection alone does not establish that he has fully recovered or is ready to feature.

Scaloni and his staff may want to keep an experienced member of the squad involved while monitoring his condition. His presence could also allow the coaching team to assess his progress and determine whether he is ready to return.

In Martínez’s absence, Chelsea have turned to Mike Penders, who has been given an opportunity to establish himself as the club’s goalkeeper. The 21-year-old Belgian has delivered encouraging displays, although his performances have not been entirely error-free. He made a mistake during the match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Penders responded positively in the following fixtures, conceding just once across meetings with Liverpool and Manchester United. The only goal he allowed in those matches came from the penalty spot, strengthening his case to remain in the side.

His recent form has created a selection dilemma for Alonso ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Sunderland. Although Martínez arrived from Aston Villa as the intended first-choice goalkeeper, Penders’ performances give the manager reason to consider keeping him in the team rather than automatically restoring the Argentine.

Chelsea will need to assess Martínez’s recovery carefully before deciding when he should return. A protective mask could help his comeback, but the club are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with a player recovering from a serious facial injury.

The international break may provide time for further evaluation, while Penders remains an option in goal. Martínez’s inclusion in Argentina’s squad is a welcome indication of progress, but his availability for Chelsea’s next matches will depend on his recovery and the medical team’s assessment. His return would give Alonso another experienced option, but it could also create competition with Penders, whose recent performances have given Chelsea some stability during the senior goalkeeper’s absence for now.