Everton v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Everton v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27 - Source: Getty
Emiliano Martinez has said he will return to action “in a few weeks” after sustaining an injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
The Argentine shot-stopper reportedly broke his jaw and was forced off following a nasty head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While Branthwaite quickly sat up and underwent concussion checks before getting back on his feet, Martinez required extensive medical attention and was subsequently stretchered off the pitch.
That forced Chelsea to send on Mike Penders to replace Martinez in goal, with the appearance marking the former’s Premier League debut.
Argentine journalist Gaston Edul reported that the medical examination produced positive results, as a head CT scan and evaluations of his neck showed no signs of serious complications.
Martinez has also allayed fears. He confirmed he underwent a successful operation and said he will be fit soon.
“Thanks everyone for the messages, the operation went well. The most important thing is that we won and kept a clean sheet. We'll be back in a few weeks,” Martinez wrote on his Instagram account.
After the match, Blues boss Xabi Alonso said Martinez left the stadium in a conscious state and was taken to the hospital.
“As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious and right now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests,” said Alonso. “So let’s see, but that’s what I know so far. We need to wait. Hopefully it won’t be too bad, but we need to wait at the moment.”
Chelsea provide update on Martinez after injury in win over Everton
Chelsea have confirmed that Martinez fractured his jaw, for which he has undergone surgery.
A statement published on the club’s website read:
“Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone successful surgery on a fractured jaw. Martinez was injured following a collision midway through the second half of our 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday. Martinez was taken to hospital for further assessment, which confirmed a fractured jaw that required surgery. Everyone at Chelsea wishes Emi a speedy recovery and will support him throughout.”
Martinez joined the Blues from Aston Villa in the summer. He has been Alonso’s preferred option in goal this season, having started six of the club’s seven Premier League matches.
Reports indicate that the 34-year-old will definitely miss Chelsea's next fixture and is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.