Emi Martinez is currently in the hospital after undergoing surgery on his jaw, following Saturday’s win over Everton. The Chelsea goalkeeper has had a visit from a former Newcastle defender.

The 2022 World Cup winner was caught in a head-on collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Martinez was left on the deck for some time before eventually being stretchered off and taken to hospital.

Scans showed that while Martinez had not suffered anything serious, the Argentine did suffer a broken bone in his jaw, and an operation was needed. Chelsea have since confirmed that the operation went well.

Federico Fernandez posts picture on Instagram with Emi Martinez

To Chelsea supporters, the name Federico Fernandez might not mean much. To eagle-eyed Premier League trivia fans, he might mean a bit more. But Newcastle and Swansea fans will remember Fernandez.

A 32-time Argentina international, Fernandez played on the shores for eight years between 2014 and 2022, clocking up 217 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle and Swansea. He’s now an agent.

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On Sunday, the defender – who never shared a pitch with Martinez, even for Argentina – posted a picture on Instagram alongside Chelsea’s new goalkeeper. It came after Martinez posted a groggy update.

Fernandez posted on Instagram: “Friend, I’m glad everything worked out, and you’re on the road to recovery,” with a picture of himself with the Chelsea goalkeeper, after visiting him in Ainstree Hospital.

What is the connection between Fernandez and Martinez?

After entering the world of footballing agency after spells at Elche, Al Duhail and Estudiantes following his Newcastle exit in 2022, former defender Fernandez started working for the agency Universal Twenty Two.

An agency that looks after Alexander Isak, Emi Buendia and Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar – who was linked with a move to Chelsea before Martinez’s arrival. TransferMarkt say they also represent Chelsea’s no.1.

So, unless it is a mere friendship forged through football despite never playing for the same club, and never playing for Argentina at the same time, the chances are that Fernandez is representing Martinez.