Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent to hospital for precautionary examinations after Xabi Alonso said he suffered a concussion in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton.

Key takeaways

• Martinez was hurt in a second-half collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
• Manager Xabi Alonso described the goalkeeper’s injury as a concussion.
• Pedro Neto scored both goals as Chelsea won at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
• The shutout ended Chelsea’s 23-match wait for a Premier League clean sheet.

Injury mars significant Chelsea win

Martinez had already helped the Blues record their first league clean sheet in nine months before the injury concern emerged. Chelsea’s drought without a shutout had lasted 23 Premier League fixtures.

However, the goalkeeper’s situation cast a shadow over an otherwise valuable result for Alonso’s team. Neto struck twice to secure the 2-0 success on Merseyside.

Collision from Everton free-kick

The incident occurred in the 68th minute when Martinez came out to collect a cross delivered from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s free-kick. He collided with Branthwaite during his attempt to claim the ball and was later taken to hospital for further checks.