Chelsea star's unusual recovery – Back training, struggling to function

Martínez returned to training with Argentina but remains unable to eat solid food due to his fractured jaw, affecting his strength.

Emiliano Martínez is back on the training pitch less than a month after suffering a fractured jaw in a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite on October 17th against Everton. The Chelsea goalkeeper underwent surgery to insert a metal plate with four screws and secure three teeth. While the fracture is healing well, Martínez cannot yet eat solid food, which is impacting his physical condition during training sessions.

The 34-year-old has joined Argentina's squad at their Ezeiza training complex and is targeting involvement in friendlies against Uruguay on Friday and Costa Rica next Tuesday. He initially trained with a protective goalkeeping mask but is now able to play without protection.

Martínez has expressed his intention to feature in both matches, though Argentina's coaching staff are cautious about overloading his recovery and may limit his involvement or start him from the bench. If he is not ready, Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso will compete for the starting role.