Penders was introduced midway through the second half of our victory at Everton last weekend, becoming our youngest Premier League goalkeeper. He replaced Emi Martinez, who took a heavy blow to the face and has subsequently undergone surgery on his jaw.

With Martinez out for what Alonso says will be a ‘few weeks’, Penders is set to don the gloves for the Blues, with a mouthwatering London derby up first.

‘He is ready,’ said Alonso in his pre-match press conference. ‘He has been training well and played a couple of cup games where he showed he has a good level. Even the other day when he came on against Everton, he showed in a few minutes his personality and qualities.

‘This is why we have a squad, to be ready for these kinds of situations, and we are fully convinced that Mike can play very well. He is a goalkeeper for now and for the future. We are looking to the next games and are happy with Mike. He is prepared.’

Penders’ assimilation into English football has been aided in the past couple of months by Martinez, who brings a vast wealth of knowledge and know-how with him.

Alonso explained how the Argentinean has helped Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg having signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2024.

‘He has the support and is learning from an experienced goalkeeper in Emi, who is having a great impact on the team and on Mike.

‘That happens in a very natural way. It’s not that we say, “Dibu, you have to be a mentor and you have this certificate.” It happens naturally, spontaneously every day because Emi likes to talk, not just with the other goalkeepers, but defenders as well.

‘He is very communicative and he likes to have this sense that they are close. So it’s happening.’

'It has been noted that Penders bears similarities to former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who Alonso worked with at Real Madrid. Our manager agrees there are resemblances between the two beyond simply their appearance and nationality.

‘The stature, both left-footed, both dominant in the air,’ Alonso pointed out.

‘I spoke with Thibaut when he was at the World Cup and asked about Mike, and he said himself that he could see the resemblance with Mike.

'We need to help him, support him, but for sure he is a goalkeeper for the present and the future.’

Don't miss your chance to experience the London derby in VIP style. Limited Club Chelsea tickets remain – book now to be at the Bridge.