Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone successful minor surgery following a serious collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the Blues’ 2-0 Premier League victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Argentine goalkeeper is expected to spend several weeks recovering from the injury, which occurred in the 67th minute as he attempted to clear a set-piece.
Martinez collided with Branthwaite while coming off his line and required medical attention before being carried off the pitch on a stretcher. He was conscious when he was taken to hospital.
The procedure is believed to have addressed a jaw injury sustained during the incident.
Martinez Sends Message From Hospital After Operation
The 34-year-old provided an update on his condition from his hospital bed, confirming that the operation had gone well.
In a statement, Martinez thanked those who had sent him messages of support and said he hoped to return within a few weeks.
He also highlighted Chelsea’s victory, noting that the team had secured a clean sheet against Everton.
His wife, Mandinha, also sought to reassure supporters, describing the injury as nothing serious and expressing confidence that he would soon return to normal.
Mike Penders Set to Take Over as Chelsea’s First-Choice Goalkeeper
With Martinez expected to be unavailable for several weeks, Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders is set to step into the starting role under Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
The 21-year-old replaced Martinez during the Everton match and completed the game as Chelsea secured a 2-0 win.
Penders joined Chelsea during the summer after spending the previous season on loan at Strasbourg. His promotion to the starting position comes earlier than anticipated, with Alonso having reportedly preferred to have an experienced goalkeeper available.
The youngster had entered the season hoping to compete for the No. 1 position against Robert Sanchez. However, Sanchez’s departure on loan to Italian club Como following Chelsea’s opening match against Fulham changed the goalkeeping situation.
Martinez subsequently arrived from Aston Villa in a deal worth £7.5 million, signing a three-year contract as Sanchez’s replacement.
Penders Faces Immediate Test Against Tottenham
Penders is now expected to start when Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts is preparing the young goalkeeper for the upcoming fixture as he takes on increased responsibility in the absence of Martinez.
Despite being introduced unexpectedly at Everton, Penders handled the situation and made a timely intervention to clear a cross near the back of his penalty area.
He also managed the closing stages of the match, including 13 minutes of added time, as Chelsea maintained their clean sheet.
Goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, 23, is expected to serve as Penders’ deputy during Martinez’s recovery.
Chelsea Face Busy Schedule During Martinez’s Absence
Martinez’s injury comes ahead of a demanding run of fixtures before the November international break.
Chelsea are scheduled to host Tottenham in the Premier League before travelling to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
The Blues will then welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge before travelling to Sunderland for another Premier League encounter.
With Martinez expected to miss several weeks, Penders could feature in multiple matches as Chelsea navigate the upcoming schedule.
The club’s immediate focus will be on maintaining its defensive form while the Argentine goalkeeper recovers from surgery.
