“Qué lindo es volver a estar en casa,” Emiliano Martínez wrote on Instagram after returning to the Albiceleste.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez stepped onto the pitch at the Ezeiza training complex wearing a specialized protective jaw guard and a black woolen cap, infobae reported. The Argentina squad gathered at the facility to prepare for upcoming international friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper, referred to in the source reports as playing for Chelsea due to a reporting discrepancy in the original text, suffered a maxillary fracture in October following a collision with an Everton opponent. Surgeons operated on his jaw and inserted a plate secured by four screws, as well as addressing dental damage.

“If it had been UFC, it was the knockout of the night,” Martínez said. “I saw little birds for several days. I passed out. The only thing I remember is the foul Caicedo made; I don’t remember the hit, leaving the stadium, nothing.”

Initial medical forecasts estimated between 40 and 60 days of inactivity following surgery. However, Martínez resumed physical training on a stationary bike and in the gym just four days after the operation.

He consulted specialists to adapt a carbon-fiber facial mask designed to limit movement in the injured area and absorb impact. La selección argentina comenzó los entrenamientos en Ezeiza de cara a los próximos amistosos ante Uruguay y Costa Rica con el plantel dirigido por Lionel Scaloni practicando para el choque del viernes frente a Uruguay en La Bombonera.

Social media users quickly compared the goalkeeper’s new headgear to the protective cap formerly worn by Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech during his career. Martínez shared photos of his training sessions on Instagram, drawing reactions from teammates including Leandro Paredes.

Scaloni must manage several roster absences for the upcoming window, including injuries to newly appointed captain Cristian Romero and forward Lautaro Martínez. Nicolás Tagliafico and Enzo Fernández emerged as primary candidates to wear the captain’s armband against Uruguay.

Argentina faces Uruguay on Friday at 8:00 p.m. local time (UTC-3) at La Bombonera. The squad will then meet Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 17, at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba.