Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was stretchered off the pitch during Saturday’s Premier League clash against Everton after sustaining a head injury at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Argentina international had to be substituted midway through the second-half after a collision with Toffees defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The injury occurred as Everton attacked during a dangerous free-kick, which was conceded when Moises Caicedo brought down Harrison Armstrong. Martinez rushed off his line to punch Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s delivery clear, but appeared to clash heads with Branthwaite as he attempted to deal with the cross.
Medical staff from both sides rushed onto the pitch and play was halted for a lengthy period while Martinez received treatment. The 34-year-old was conscious as he was loaded onto a stretcher, with his arms folded across his chest.B ranthwaite, meanwhile, was able to get back to his feet soon after.
Mike Penders was called upon to replace Martinez, as Chelsea led 1-0 at the time of the incident. The injury blow comes as the Blues have been plagued by a number of injuries this season, with captain Reece James, Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha also forced to the sidelines.
Penders is the only other goalkeeper named in the squad, meaning that Xabi Alonso would have little cover should Martinez require further treatment.N o official statement concerning the Argentina international’s condition has been given by the club at the time of writing.
Mike Penders Handed Chance After Emiliano Martinez Injury Blow
The introduction of Penders into the line-up offers the young Belgian goalkeeper a rare opportunity to feature for the Blues at the top-flight level. The shot-stopper spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, before making his first-team debut for the West London side in the Carabao Cup against Luton in August.
According to reports, Chelsea had initially hoped that Penders would be able to emerge from his spell on loan at the French outfit and challenge for the No.1 jersey at Stamford Bridge. However, the club opted to sign Martinez from Aston Villa for a reported £7.5m in the closing days of the summer transfer window.
Martinez joined the Villans in 2020 after spending six years at the Emirates, before playing a key role under Unai Emery in recent seasons. The 2022 World Cup winner kept 60 Premier League clean sheets for the midlands outfit, a tally bettered by just four other goalkeepers during that period.
Chelsea will be hoping that the injury is not a serious one for their new signing.