Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, suffered a broken jaw in the 2-0 win over Everton last weekend, leaving the club to reshuffle its goalkeeping options. Martinez was clattered by Jarrad Branthwaite at the Hill Dickenson Stadium and was stretched off the field before being sent straight to hospital on Merseyside. The Argentine later confirmed on social media that he had undergone surgery on the injury and will be out for an extended period.
Penders Steps Up as Interim Number One
Mike Penders replaced Martinez over the weekend and is expected to start once more when Chelsea face London rivals Tottenham on Saturday. The Belgian's accelerated promotion to interim number one means manager Xabi Alonso must name a new substitute goalkeeper on the bench.
Sharman-Lowe Likely Backup
That role is likely to go to young keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, who has been part of senior squads for the west London club. The 23-year-old, from Leicester, came through Burton Albion's academy and joined Chelsea in 2020, returning to Burton on loan immediately. He has since had spells at Havant and Waterlooville, Bromley, Doncaster Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.
Sharman-Lowe spent the first half of the 2025/26 season with Bolton before being recalled by Chelsea in January. He started two of the Blues' pre-season friendlies in the summer: the 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers and the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Down Under. In 22 League One games for Bolton last season, he kept six clean sheets.
