Emi Martinez suffered a fractured jaw when he collided with Jarrad Branthwaite during Chelsea’s win over Everton on Saturday, it has been confirmed.

The Argentine was stretchered off in the second half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after a cringe-inducing clash of heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Both men received treatment, but the Chelsea man came off far worse. Physios and medics attended to him on the pitch for about ten minutes before he was stretchered off and whisked to a local hospital.

Speaking at full-time, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said: “As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious. Now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests. Let’s see, but this is what I know so far.”

Martinez has since confirmed he underwent surgery and is targeting a return to action “in a few weeks”.

And now the club have now issued an official statement confirming he has not suffered any serious brain damage. He did, however, suffer a jaw injury and concussion in the collision.

The statement read: “Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone successful surgery on a fractured jaw.

“Martinez was injured following a collision midway through the second half of our 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

“Martinez was taken to hospital for further assessment, which confirmed a fractured jaw that required surgery.

“Everyone at Chelsea wishes Emi a speedy recovery and will support him throughout.”

Emi Martinez was stretchered off and rushed to hospital after a clash of heads

Getty

Martinez had put in an impressive performance against Everton before being withdrawn, making two key saves as Chelsea kept a league clean sheet for the first time since January.

Pedro Neto, who scored both the Blues’ goals on the day, later dedicated the win to him.

It remains to be seen how exactly long Martinez will be sidelined, with club captain Reece James also facing a lengthy spell out after undergoing knee surgery. Jamie Gittens and third-choice striker Emmanuel Emegha are also on the treatment table for the Blues.