Emiliano Martinez expects to return in a few weeks after jaw surgery
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is facing a spell on the sidelines after undergoing successful surgery for a fractured jaw sustained in a 2-0 win over Everton.
- Headline: Emiliano Martinez expects to return in a few weeks after jaw surgery
- Dispatch Summary: Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is facing a spell on the sidelines after undergoing successful surgery for a fractured jaw sustained in a 2-0 win over Everton.
- Verification: Corroborated across independent reporting outlets with primary sources and real-time wire transmissions.
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez expects to return to action in a few weeks after undergoing successful surgery following a fractured jaw sustained during a 2-0 Premier League win at Everton on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Argentina international suffered the injury during the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium following a clash of heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as both players challenged for a cross. The incident brought the match to a standstill for more than eight minutes, during which Martinez received urgent medical attention on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Reporting from various outlets detailed the immediate aftermath of the collision, noting that Levi Colwill held his head in his hands after witnessing the frightening incident. Argentine journalist Gaston Edul reported that Martinez came through the majority of his examinations without major concerns after his head, back, and neck were assessed. Tests at the hospital subsequently revealed the jaw fracture, prompting the immediate surgical procedure.
Writing from his hospital bed in a post on Instagram accompanied by a selfie in a hospital gown, Martinez said:
Pedro Neto secured the 2-0 victory with a brace for manager Xabi Alonso's side, a result that earned Chelsea their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months.Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well. The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we'll be back.
Emiliano Martinez, via Instagram and BBC
Stepping Into the Firing Line
The immediate consequence of Martinez's absence is a sudden test of depth for Chelsea's goalkeeping ranks. Mike Penders, a 21-year-old Belgian signed from Genk for £17 million in 2024, replaced Martinez on Merseyside to make his Premier League debut. Penders spent last season making 50 appearances in all competitions on loan at Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, and now finds himself thrust into a demanding stretch of fixtures.
Alonso expressed complete confidence in the young Belgian, telling reporters after the match: Mike has personality. He's brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on.
While Martinez himself estimated a return in a few weeks, Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo claimed that the former Aston Villa star could be sidelined for around 40 days, potentially stretching near six weeks depending on his recovery from the jaw operation and concussion.
Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Depth
The timeline leaves Penders in line for an extended run guarding the net during a brutal run of domestic competition. Chelsea face Tottenham and Manchester United in upcoming Premier League fixtures, with a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool scheduled in between. If the 40-day projection holds, Martinez could also miss league meetings with Sunderland, Leeds, and Nottingham Forest.
Teammates also rallied around the injured goalkeeper on social media, with Morgan Rogers posting heart emojis and Moises Caicedo writing, My little brother
alongside hearts.
For now, Chelsea supporters and coaching staff await further medical bulletins from the hospital ahead of the upcoming clash against Tottenham.
