flag
back Back
Emiliano Martinez vows to return from fractured jaw in a ‘few weeks’
Emi Martinez
Emiliano Martinez posts a selfie from his hospital bed after undergoing surgery on a fractured jaw - Instagram/@emi_martinez26

Emiliano Martínez has said he will be “back in a few weeks” after undergoing surgery on a fractured jaw sustained during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton.

Martínez clashed heads with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as the pair went up for a cross and after more than eight minutes of treatment, the Argentina goalkeeper was carried off the pitch to a waiting ambulance.

Martínez later posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Instagram, writing: “Thank you for all the messages, the operation went well.”

He added: “We’ll be back in a few weeks.”

Emiliano Martinez
Martinez collides with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and is taken off with concussion - Reuters/Phil Noble

Martínez had earlier played his part in the win that also earned his side their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months.

Speaking immediately after the match, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said that Martínez had been taken to hospital for “precautionary tests”. 

He said: “It was a concussion, but beyond that I do not know. I have only seen one clip of the incident, so we need to wait.

“What we know is that he left the stadium conscious and is now in hospital undergoing precautionary tests.

“We need to wait. Hopefully it will not be too serious, but at the moment we just have to wait.”

The club confirmed in a statement released on Sunday that Martínez had undergone “successful” surgery on a fractured jaw. 

The goalkeeper was replaced by Mike Penders – who at 21 years and 78 days old, became the youngest goalkeeper to play for Chelsea in the Premier League.

The Belgian, who also played in the League Cup against Luton Town and Leeds United this season, kept a clean sheet when he came on and is expected to get a run of games while Martínez recovers. Penders was signed from Genk in 2024 for £17m.

Mike Penders
Mike Penders was handed 15 minutes, plus the substantial time added on, after Martinez was forced off - Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt

Alonso said of the understudy: “Mike has personality. He’s brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on.”

You may like

Arsenal snatch late win to keep pressure on Man City as Man Utd held

hindustantimes.com 2 hours ago

Goal from halfway line helps surprise package Brighton win 5-0 as Arsenal leaves it late at Forest

wjtv.com 3 hours ago

Four Takeaways From Man Utd Result That Inspires More Questions Than Answers

wjtv.com 2 hours ago

Barcelona Suffer Unexpected Setback Ahead of Huge PSG Champions League Clash

wjtv.com 1 hour ago

Mueller details injury prevention methods for badminton players

archysport.com 4 days ago

Erling Haaland’s One-Word Update After Huge Man City Injury Scare

wjtv.com 7 hours ago