Alonso: Martínez return was too hasty
Olé reported that Dibu Martínez missed the chance to reappear for Chelsea before joining the Argentina Selección, with the club calling a comeback "Era demasiado arriesgado" despite hopes he could feature in the Sunday Premier League clash.
Los Blues lost 1-0 to Sunderland and Argentina coach Xabi Alonso said the Argentine keeper still needs a few days of recovery, adding "after the break he will be available".
noted that the injury‑plagued goalkeeper was absent for his fourth match at Chelsea.
Martínez has become accustomed to feats that seem impossible for others, having guarded Argentina’s goal in the last Mundial only a little more than a month after a finger fracture in the Europa League final.
His early return to training at Chelsea, aimed at shortening the medical timetable after the jaw fracture suffered in October, sparked speculation he could line up this Sunday, but the plan ultimately fell through.
Club stance and upcoming international duties
Xabi Alonso explained the decision, saying "he made a great effort to be available, but probably it was too hasty, too risky".
Martínez, named in the Argentina squad for the imminent FIFA window, does not want to miss the friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica on 13 and 17 November.
Chelsea’s manager confirmed he expects the keeper back after the international break, giving him roughly ten days to train and adapt to his mask, and is confident he will be ready thereafter.
The Sunderland fixture marked Martínez’s fourth absence for the Blues – two defeats, one draw and one win – following the October injury against Everton and the subsequent operation, with Mike Penders stepping in and keeping a clean sheet only once.
The match, a chance for Chelsea to climb the Premier League table, saw them trail 1-0 at half‑time and ultimately hold on despite a late onslaught, while fellow Argentines Valentín Barco and Aarón Anselmino remained unused substitutes.
During the earlier Everton‑Chelsea clash, Martínez lay on the pitch for almost ten minutes, a moment captured on video.