Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has confirmed he will be fit to return “in a few weeks” after undergoing surgery on a fractured jaw sustained during his team’s 2-0 Premier League win at Everton on Saturday.
The Argentina international was taken to hospital after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Martinez required eight minutes of treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher.
Martinez Confirms Successful Surgery
The 34-year-old posted an update on social media on Sunday alongside a photo of himself in a hospital bed, reassuring Chelsea fans that the operation had gone smoothly.
“Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well,” Martinez wrote. “The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. We’ll be back in a few weeks.”
The message struck a positive tone despite the severity of the injury, with Martinez prioritising the team’s result over his own setback.
Xabi Alonso Confirms Concussion
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso later confirmed that Martinez had also suffered a concussion in the collision, adding another layer to the goalkeeper’s recovery timeline.
The incident occurred during the second half of Saturday’s match, forcing a lengthy stoppage as medical staff attended to Martinez on the pitch. The keeper was eventually stretchered off, prompting concern from both sets of players and supporters.
Mike Penders Set to Deputise
With Martinez sidelined, Mike Penders is set to step in as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper in his absence.
The 21-year-old made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Everton following Martinez’s injury—a baptism of fire for the young Belgian, though he helped preserve the clean sheet in a 2-0 win.
Penders joined Chelsea from Belgian club Genk in August 2024 and has spent the past two seasons out on loan, including a spell at Strasbourg last term. His performances in training and during his loan spell have clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff, who now have little choice but to rely on him.
What This Means for Chelsea
Martinez’s absence presents a significant test for Chelsea’s squad depth. The Argentine is a senior figure and a commanding presence between the posts, and his injury leaves a young, relatively untested keeper in charge for a crucial run of fixtures.
Penders’s Premier League debut, while brief, offered encouraging signs. The 21-year-old looked composed under pressure and contributed to the clean sheet that sealed the win at Everton. Whether he can sustain that level over a sustained run of matches will be a key storyline in the coming weeks.
Alonso will also be monitoring Martinez’s recovery carefully. The “few weeks” timeline suggested by the keeper is encouraging, but jaw fractures and concussions—particularly when combined—can be unpredictable in their recovery trajectories.
Key Takeaways
- Emiliano Martinez sustained a fractured jaw and concussion in a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton.
- The 34-year-old underwent successful surgery on Sunday and says he’ll return “in a few weeks.”
- Mike Penders, 21, will deputise after making his Premier League debut as a substitute.
- Xabi Alonso confirmed the concussion, adding to Martinez’s recovery considerations.
For Chelsea, the immediate focus shifts to Penders and the defensive unit ahead of him. For Martinez, the road back begins with recovery—and if his social media update is anything to go by, he’s already counting the days until his return.