Good news for Xabi Alonso as Chelsea star was so uninvolved he ‘didn’t even need a bath’
Xabi Alonso will be counting the days until the international break is over, having already lost two Chelsea players to injury. Emi Martinez’s performance this morning will come as a relief.
With Marco Palestra, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Reece James, and Joao Pedro blocked from going away with their countries, Alonso has done everything he can to stop his players from getting injured.
But he couldn’t stop everyone, and for the likes of Morgan Rogers, Martinez, Maxence Lacroix, and other key players with their countries, Alonso will be desperate to avoid more injuries for the rest of the break.
Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens has already been spotted on crutches after an injury with England’s U21 side, while Mike Penders has not been involved in Belgium’s first two games after picking up a muscle issue.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Argentina played host to Bolivia. Martinez started and finished the match, but Alonso will be delighted – and not just because it is Martinez’s first clean sheet of 26-27.
Chelsea signed more experienced players this summer to get SERIOUS! What impact has it made on the team so far? 🤔
Argentine media say he had little to do. The stats say the same thing: Bolivia managed just three shots and only four touches in Argentina’s box throughout – with Martinez escaping a single shot on target.
Ole gave Martinez a 6/10 rating, saying: “Perhaps Dibu didn’t even need to take a bath, because he wasn’t involved at all. He was the captain when Cuti was substituted.” TyC Sports said he had a “minor role”.
Nine more days to go until Chelsea face Bournemouth
It’s not long now; Chelsea face Bournemouth on October 10, and it is creeping around. While there has been criticism of Palmer after withdrawing from England’s squad, Alonso will surely be pleased so far.
Yes, Penders and Gittens’ injuries are bad news. But he’s managed to keep his key players at home, giving them a rest and the chance to recover. Other key players involved have so far remained injury-free.
There are still plenty more games to play. Rogers and England play another two matches. Martinez and Valentin Barco are the same; Alonso will be closely following his in-action players until they return safely.
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