For the first time this season, Marcus Bettinelli, the goalkeeper for Chelsea, has been spotted practicing with the starting squad.
Following a protracted hiatus, the 31-year-old was back among the goalkeepers in training, according to images posted on the team’s 5th Stand App.
Given how little time Bettinelli has spent in training, many people could have even forgotten he was a member of the first team.
His duty since moving to Stamford Bridge has been to help the many goalkeepers who are also in the team at the moment. He was obviously not signed to play any significant minutes.
These choices have changed significantly over the summer as the club entered a new age where off-pitch appointments are no longer the only thing.
Last season, Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga battled for the starting shirt, with the Spaniard earning most of the playing time in goal.
He did, however, seize the chance to play on loan at Real Madrid this season following Thibaut Courtois’ injury.
Bettinelli resumed his workout
The Senegal international’s departure, as he is currently one of the players practicing in Saudi Arabia, pleased the Blues as well.
With the return of Bettinelli, he now has a new team to work with and encourage.
Robert Sanchez has started every game for the team this season, but it appears like he may use a little confidence boost.
Some aren’t persuaded he has what it takes to be the top player at Stamford Bridge for an extended period of time because of a few wobbly moments.
Although Djordje Petrovic, an MLS acquisition, hasn’t played for the Blues yet this season, he is the alternative.