Xabi Alonso has been handed some much-needed good injury needs ahead of Chelsea's Premier League game against Bournemouth on the weekend.
The Blues have been struck down with multiple injuries in recent weeks with Reece James, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro all withdrawing from international duty with England and Brazil, respectively.
Goalkeeper Mike Penders also failed to feature in any of Belgium's recent UEFA Nations League matches citing a quad injury.
However, the 21-year-old could be in line to start against Bournemouth on Saturday after he was pictured in first-team training on Thursday.
Mike Penders returns to Chelsea training following injury
After withdrawing from Belgium's UEFA Nations League camp, leaving Manchester United's Senne Lammens and RB Leipzig's Maarten Vandevoordt as Mark van Bommel's only two goalkeepers, there were concerns Alonso could be left short in the goalkeeping department.
However, there is genuine hope Penders has made a full recovery in time for the Premier League's return, though.
According to the Standard, the former Genk academy graduate was pictured wrestling with Jorrel Hato at the Blues' Cobham training centre. Great news ahead of Bournemouth's visit on the weekend.
Following Chelsea's decision not to loan him back out this season, Penders, who spent last season with Strasbourg, has remained in and around the first team.
Up until this point, the highly rated young Belgium international has only been called upon for Carabao Cup matches.
That could be about to change, though...
Penders set to make Premier League debut
Penders' return to training may be more significant than any other player.
And that's because number one Emi Martinez was still on international duties with Argentina until the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The former Aston Villa keeper appeared in Lionel Messi's farewell testimonial friendly against Benin and it is still not clear whether or not he'll be available for the Blues when they host the Cherries.
He may be in line to start this weekend, with Emi Martinez still on Argentina duty as of the early hours of Wednesday morning, when he appeared in Lionel Messi’s testimonial friendly against Benin. It is not yet clear whether he will be back in London in time for the visit of the Cherries.
Nevertheless, with Penders looking in good shape to win his fitness race, Alonso will be feeling more confident that he can name a strong starting XI.
Since the start of the season, Penders has kept one clean sheet in two cup appearances.
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