Mike Penders injury setback impacts Chelsea and Belgium

Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has sustained a quadriceps injury during training, forcing him to miss Belgium’s Nations League match against Italy. The 21-year-old has remained at the national training centre in Tubize to undergo rehabilitation.

The severity of the injury remains uncertain. While mild strains typically require one to three weeks of recovery, more serious tears or ruptures could necessitate surgery and result in an absence of several months. This injury adds to Chelsea’s current fitness concerns during the international break, following the withdrawals of Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer from their respective national duties.

Penders, who joined Chelsea from Genk, has recently seen increased involvement with the club, including appearances in the Carabao Cup. His availability for upcoming club fixtures and subsequent Belgium matches remains unclear as medical staff assess the damage.