Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez has undergone emergency surgery following a nasty collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during their Premier League clash on Saturday. The Argentine goalkeeper confirmed that the operation had gone well after being taken to hospital with a concussion following the incident.

Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Pedro Neto scoring twice to end Everton's unbeaten start to the league season. However, the result was overshadowed by a lengthy injury stoppage in the second half after Martinez and Branthwaite collided while attempting to deal with a free kick.

Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered the set-piece into the box when the two players came together. While Branthwaite was able to get back on his feet after receiving treatment, Martinez required assistance from paramedics.

The 34-year-old was eventually strapped to a stretcher and carried off the pitch before being taken to hospital. Argentine media reported that he had suffered a jaw injury in the collision.

MARTINEZ PROVIDES SURGERY UPDATE

Martinez shared an update from his hospital bed on social media early on Sunday, thanking fans for their messages and confirming that his operation had been successful.

"Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well," Martinez wrote.

"The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we'll be back."

The injury forced Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to hand Mike Penders his Premier League debut. The 21-year-old goalkeeper helped Chelsea secure their first clean sheet in the league since January.

Penders, a Belgian youth international, could now be called upon to deputise for Martinez until the Argentine is cleared to return to training.

Chelsea face a busy schedule in the coming weeks, beginning with their Premier League home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday. They will then travel to Liverpool for a League Cup fourth-round clash on October 28 before hosting Manchester United in the league three days later.

ALONSO BACKS YOUNG KEEPER

Alonso expressed confidence in Penders after the young goalkeeper stepped in following Martinez's injury, praising his composure and performances when called upon.

"Mike has personality. He's brave and we have full trust with him. He did well," Alonso told reporters.

"He played in the cup games and whenever he's needed, like the other players whenever they are needed they can perform.

"It's all about the squad, that all the players feel important and can have their moment whenever they are needed, and that's very positive."

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