According to a report by BBC Sport on October 18, 2026, Chelsea could be without goalkeeper Emi Martínez for several important games after he suffered a jaw injury in their 2-0 win over Everton on October 17. The Argentine international reportedly underwent surgery after picking up the injury, and early reports suggest that his recovery could take around 40 days.

The potential absence of Martínez is an unwelcome development for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who may have to depend on alternative goalkeepers until the first-choice shot-stopper is fit to return. However, Chelsea have not yet confirmed the expected length of his absence, with his recovery progress and the club's medical evaluation likely to determine when he can resume playing.

Should the reported 40-day recovery timeline prove correct, Martínez could be unavailable for six upcoming matches in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

The first of those fixtures is Chelsea's home encounter against Tottenham Hotspur on October 24. Four days later, the Blues will travel to Anfield for their Carabao Cup fourth-round showdown with Liverpool.

Chelsea will then face another major test when Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on October 31 for a Premier League meeting.

Following that contest, the Blues are due to travel to Sunderland on November 8. They will return home to face Leeds United on November 21 before concluding this stretch of fixtures with an away game against Nottingham Forest on November 27.

Martínez's potential absence from these six matches could complicate Chelsea's plans, especially with the important Carabao Cup encounter against Liverpool falling within the expected recovery window.

Despite the uncertainty, Chelsea fans will be eager to see the Argentine goalkeeper make a full recovery and return to the squad as soon as possible. However, until an official statement confirms the severity of the injury and the expected recovery period, the suggestion that he will miss all six fixtures should not be considered definitive.