Chelsea were dealt a significant blow in their Premier League victory over Everton last weekend, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez picking up an injury.
The experienced Argentina international sustained a jaw fracture in the second half after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite, leaving him needing surgery.
In his social media post, he said that he would be out for 'weeks', with reports now claiming that he is set to be sidelined for up to two months, leaving the Blues without their first-choice goalkeeper for an extended period.
Xabi Alonso will have to trust 21-year-old Mike Penders throughout Martinez's spell injured, with the young Belgian having been installed as his understudy this season.
Emi Martinez injury timeline: Reported return date after jaw surgery
Chelsea will be without first-choice goalkeeper Martinez for between 45 and 60 days, according to the reports from sources in Argentina, according to Standard Sport.
The 34-year-old was stretchered off against Everton before heading straight to the hospital, where he underwent tests to ascertain the nature of his injury.
He had to undergo a surgery to repair the damage to his jaw, having escaped without any head, neck, or spinal injuries.
Medical assessments indicate a recovery window that could reach eight weeks, ensuring that the former Aston Villa man will likely return to action in December after missing a number of games for club and country.
Mike Penders steps in as Chelsea's replacement for Emi Martinez
Martinez joined Chelsea in an opportunistic summer move that spelled the end of Robert Sanchez's spell as the club's number one goalkeeper, but the back-up plan remained unchanged.
Having impressed on loan at Strasbourg last season, Belgian youngster Penders was earmarked as the second-choice goalkeeper for this season, as he is considered as the club's future number one.
He appeared in a couple of Carabao Cup games against Luton Town and Leeds United before he made history after coming off the bench for the final 15 minutes against Everton, following the injury to Martinez.
Penders became the youngest goalkeeper to appear in a Premier League game for the Blues, and now appears set to retain his position for the foreseeable future.
Martínez's absence removes an essential vocal leader and shot-stopper from Xabi Alonso's starting XI, but from a quality standpoint, Penders is capable of filling the shoes of the Argentinian.
The youngster will be thrown straight into the deep end, with games against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Manchester United coming up over the next 11 days.
He will assume responsibility between the posts as Chelsea look to build on their clean sheet from the Everton game and sustain momentum across the Premier League table.
Alonso will have one of Teddy Sharman-Lowe or Gaga Slonina provide cover for Penders while Martinez remains out.
Which Chelsea games could Emi Martinez miss?
- Tottenham (H) Premier League: October 24
- Liverpool (A) Carabao Cup: October 28
- Manchester United (H) Premier League: October 31
- Sunderland (A) Premier League: November 8
- Uruguay (International friendly): November 13
- Costa Rica (International friendly): November 17
- Leeds United (H) Premier League: November 21
- Nottingham Forest (A) Premier League: November 27
- Crystal Palace (H) Premier League: December 2
- Liverpool (H) Premier League: December 5
- Manchester City (A) Premier League: December 12
