Former Aston Villa man Emi Martinez was stretchered off and taken to hospital after a sickening head clash with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Chelsea's Premier League match

Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was forced off on a stretcher during Chelsea's clash with Everton. The worrying moment came on the hour mark when the Argentine collided with Toffees defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

A delivery from the left floated into the penalty area resulted in Branthwaite crashing into Martinez. Footage captures the head-to-head collision between the pair, with Chelsea players instantly waving frantically for medical help, while Levi Colwill is pictured with his hands clutching his head in concern.

Play was halted for more than seven minutes as medical personnel rushed to treat both players. While the England centre-back managed to regain his footing, the Chelsea number one bore the brunt of the impact and required assistance leaving the field.

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TNT Sports' Darren Fletcher provided a subsequent update confirming the former Villa custodian was being transported to hospital for additional checks and treatment.

Martinez appeared conscious as he was carried from the pitch on a stretcher and was showing movement as he left the Hill Dickinson pitch. The Blues were narrowly ahead at that point thanks to Pedro Neto's goal shortly after half-time, reports Football London.