Chelsea have been handed a significant post-weekend lift after key goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was spotted participating in full group training at Cobham on Tuesday morning.

The Argentina international’s welcome presence on the pitch comes as Xabi Alonso’s squad prepares for their upcoming Premier League encounter against Sunderland, offering potential relief following a period dominated by key fitness concerns across the roster.

The 34-year-old shot-stopper had been sidelined after undergoing surgery for a broken jaw, missing recent domestic fixtures and forcing the coaching staff to rely on young backup keeper Mike Penders.

However, Martínez’s active involvement in Tuesday’s intensive tactical session indicates that his recovery timeline has progressed rapidly, raising optimism that he could be cleared for selection at the Stadium of Light.

Martínez's prospective return provides Chelsea with crucial veteran authority and elite shot-stopping stability as they look to build on momentum from their impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

While Penders delivered encouraging performances during his fill-in spell, Alonso and his technical staff will welcome the experience and vocal leadership that the World Cup winner brings to the backline.

Nevertheless, the medical department at Stamford Bridge remains cautious regarding full-contact readiness, particularly given the sensitive nature of facial jaw injuries.

Alonso will closely evaluate Martínez’s fitness levels and confidence over the remaining sessions before making a final decision on whether to hand him an immediate starting spot or retain Penders for one more fixture.

With additional squad figures like Jorrel Hato and Jordan Henderson also making progress in their respective recoveries, Chelsea’s overall fitness picture appears to be stabilizing at a vital juncture of the autumn schedule.

Having Martínez back in full training underlines the growing competitive depth within the squad as the Blues aim to maintain their push near the top of the Premier League table.

What are your thoughts about this article? Share your reactions in the comment section and don't forget to share and follow for more update.

https://roundtable.io/sports/soccer/premier-league/chelsea/news/key-chelsea-player-spotted-in-tuesdays-training-ahead-of-possible-injury-return-vs-sunderland