Penders told he will get game time for Chelsea

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso says goalkeeper Mike Penders is very much part of his plans and will continue to get game time despite the imminent arrival of Emiliano Martinez.

Penders, 21, made his Blues debut in the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Luton Town on Thursday.

But with terms agreed with Aston Villa on a £7.5m deal for the Argentina number one, Belgian keeper Penders now seems certain to be the understudy to Martinez, 33, rather than the erratic long-term number one Roberto Sanchez.

Sanchez made an all-too-familiar error against Fulham, with his poor positioning and unconvincing dive helping the home side equalise in Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Craven Cottage.

“Talking about Mike, for sure, he will have games with more work,” Alonso said.

“He didn’t make many saves but you could see in some moments he was under pressure and he was calm. He has security of his football.

“But he’s a great prospect for the future and the present as well.”