Mike Penders
CHE
Goalkeeper
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Jul 31, 2005 (21)
Left
6'7"
209 lb
Concedes twice, including own goal
Penders made three saves and allowed two goals, but also 2 an own goal in Saturday's 2-0 loss versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Penders made his first career Premier League start Saturday, coming in for the injured Emiliano Martinez (jaw). It was a performance he may not want to remember though as he made a massive error on a corner kick in the 77th minute, missing his punch of the ball and scoring an own goal. He also conceded an outside-the-box goal by Mathys Tel in the 87th minute, giving Spurs a rare win at Stamford Bridge. Martinez will remain out Saturday versus Manchester United, so Penders will likely have a chance to redeem himself.
Ready for increased involvement
Penders is fully fit and ready for additional Premier League involvement after impressing in training and during his debut against Everton, according to coach Xabi Alonso, per Football London. "He's ready. He's been training well. He has shown he has a good level. When he came on, in a few minutes he showed his personality and qualities. That is why we have a squad to be ready for these situations."
Analysis: Penders appears ready to take on a more prominent role for Chelsea after making his Premier League debut during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton. The 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper came off the bench in the second half to replace Emiliano Martinez (jaw), who was forced off following a head collision with Jarrad Branthwaite. Having previously featured in Carabao Cup encounters against Luton Town and Leeds United, Penders demonstrated his ability to handle Premier League action despite entering the match unexpectedly. Coach Alonso has praised both his performances in training and his composure against Everton, suggesting the goalkeeper has earned the coaching staff's confidence. With Martinez ruled out for several weeks, the Belgian will be in contention for his first Premier League start against Tottenham on Saturday.
Makes Premier League debut
Penders made his Premier League debut during Saturday's clash against Everton, coming off the bench in the second half to replace Emiliano Martinez, who was forced off following a head collision with Jarrad Branthwaite.
Analysis: Penders received his first Premier League minutes for Chelsea after Emiliano Martinez was unable to continue following a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half. The 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper had previously featured in Carabao Cup matches against Luton Town and Leeds United but had yet to make an appearance in the league. His involvement against Everton also marks another step forward after recovering from a thigh injury that disrupted his international duty with Belgium earlier this month. Penders remains Chelsea's primary backup goalkeeper, although Martinez's potential absence could provide him with an opportunity to make his first Premier League start in the coming fixtures. The extent of Martinez's head injury remains unclear, with further assessments likely to determine whether Penders will be needed in goal moving forward.
Available again for Belgium
Penders is on the bench for Friday's Nations League match against Turkey after recovering from a thigh injury that kept him out of Belgium's first two games.
Analysis: Penders has returned to Belgium's matchday squad after recovering from a thigh injury that sidelined him for the fixtures against Italy and France. The 21-year-old goalkeeper took a spot on the bench against Turkiye behind starting keeper Senne Lammens. His return to fitness eliminates any fitness concerns for Chelsea ahead of their Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth on October 10. Penders remains the primary deputy to Emiliano Martinez at Stamford Bridge, with his first-team opportunities this season coming in Carabao Cup ties against Luton Town and Leeds United.
Misses second straight match
Penders (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Monday's Nations League match against France after also missing Friday's win over Italy, according to Belgium coach Mark Van Bommel, per L'Equipe. "He won't be there Monday. We have to see how his situation develops. I can't say anything more about it."
Analysis: Penders remains unavailable due to the quadriceps injury despite taking part in training with Belgium on Sunday. The goalkeeper had initially been considered to have a chance of featuring later in the international break after missing the Italy match, but his recovery has not progressed enough for Monday. Belgium will continue to assess the issue, with no clear timetable yet established for his return.
Dealing with quad injury
Penders (quadriceps) did not travel with Belgium for Friday's Nations League match against Italy due to a minor injury, according to La Libre.
Analysis: Penders will miss Belgium's opening Nations League fixture while recovering from the minor quadriceps issue. He trained individually Thursday morning and is expected to have a chance of featuring later in the international break, suggesting the injury is not expected to keep him sidelined for an extended period. His availability for Belgium's remaining fixtures will depend on his progress over the coming days.
Settles into backup role
Penders has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season, with his playing time limited to the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: Penders remains Chelsea's second-choice goalkeeper behind Emiliano Martinez but could push for Premier League opportunities as the season progresses. The young goalkeeper has already been trusted with two Carabao Cup starts, giving him regular opportunities outside league play. With Martinez struggling for form, Penders could put additional pressure on the established starter if he continues to perform when given opportunities.
Returns to Chelsea squad
Penders is back with Chelsea's squad in Hong Kong after his participation with Belgium at the World Cup, where he did not register a single minute, the club announced.
Analysis: Penders' shot-stopping and composure with the ball at his feet have marked him as one of the more promising young goalkeepers in the pipeline, and Robert Sanchez's current injury issue opens the door for him to make an early case for a bigger role. Sanchez remains the club's number one for now, but Penders' return gives him a real opportunity to press his claim heading into the new season. Penders is expected to continue building up his fitness as he looks to seize this chance in Chelsea's goalkeeping rotation.
Heads back to Chelsea
Penders will return to parent club Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan spell at Strasbourg.
Analysis: Penders was an ever-present figure for Strasbourg last season, making 33 Ligue 1 starts across 2,970 minutes, recording 108 saves and eight clean sheets while conceding 47 goals and saving one penalty. Penders will head back to Chelsea after playing the World Cup with Belgium where his future under new coach Xabi Alonso will be determined heading into the 2026/27 season, with his outstanding campaign in France making a strong case for a bigger role at senior level.
Concedes four in finale
Penders had six saves and allowed four goals in Sunday's 5-4 win against Monaco.
Analysis: Penders was under attack throughout Sunday's season finale, facing 10 shots on target and conceding four goals. It was a tough end to a solid season for the young Chelsea loanee. He started all but one match this season and conceded 47 goals, made 108 saves and kept eight clean sheets across 33 starts. It's currently unclear where he will be next season, but another loan spell is certainly in the cards.
Makes five saves in win
Penders made five saves and conceded one goal during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Brest.
Analysis: Penders couldn't do much when Ludovic Ajorque appeared unmarked in front of him to draw things level at 1-1 in the 13th minute but then he was simply perfect the rest of the way, making some spectacular saves that helped his side to leave the pitch with all three points. The goalkeeper was coming off a rough stretch but, despite not keeping clean sheets, played way better in the last two outings and will try to finish his campaign in style next Sunday against Monaco.
Three saves, one goal conceded
Penders registered three saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Angers.
Analysis: Penders has logged more than two saves in each of his last six appearances. However, they all come with at least one goal conceded. Penders will try to bounce back Wednesday at Brest.
Four saves in loss
Penders recorded four saves and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Toulouse.
Analysis: Penders came up with four saves in Sunday's 2-1 Ligue 1 home loss to Toulouse, turning away Santiago Hidalgo twice inside the opening 15 minutes while also denying Jacen Russell-Rowe early in the second half and getting a stop on Yann Gboho in first-half stoppage time. He got beat by Dayann Methalie's composed finish in the 43rd minute and Emersonn's 84th minute strike off Cristian Casseres' through ball, with both goals coming off Toulouse's two most dangerous looks of the game. Penders will aim to bounce back and deliver a stronger showing in Sunday's matchup against Angers.
Concedes two in win
Penders had four saves and allowed two goals in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Lorient.
Analysis: Pender made four saves to help his side who continued to struggle from set pieces, with three of those stops coming from corners, but was beaten twice including once from the spot. The goalkeeper has now failed to keep a clean sheet in four straight games, conceding eight goals while making 17 saves during that run. A crucial Conference League semi final against Rayo Vallecano awaits before he returns to league action against Paris on Toulouse.
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