Emiliano Martinez Jaw Surgery Successful After Everton Clash

Emiliano Martinez has confirmed that jaw surgery following his collision against Everton was successful, with the Chelsea goalkeeper expecting to return “in a few weeks”. The Argentina international posted a hospital-bed photograph after the operation, thanking supporters for their messages and stressing the importance of Chelsea’s win and clean sheet.

The 34-year-old was taken off on a stretcher during the second half of Chelsea’s 2-0 victory at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. Martinez collided heavily with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who was able to continue, while the Chelsea keeper required immediate treatment.

Quick facts

Martinez has undergone successful jaw surgery after the Everton collision.
Scans found no major injury to his head, neck or back.
Mike Penders, 21, made his Premier League debut as Martinez’s replacement.
Pedro Neto scored both goals in Chelsea’s 2-0 win.
Penders is in line to start against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Initial fears over a more serious head injury eased after scans cleared Martinez of significant damage beyond the jaw issue. He is nevertheless expected to miss the remainder of October and the start of November.

Penders stepped in for his first Premier League appearance and helped Xabi Alonso’s team close out the win. The £17m arrival from Genk now looks set for an extended run in the side during a demanding sequence of domestic fixtures.

Alonso backed the young goalkeeper after his introduction, highlighting Penders’ courage, personality and previous cup appearances. The Chelsea head coach said the club have complete faith in him whenever he is called upon.

The manager also underlined the need for every squad member to be ready during a packed period, saying players must feel valued and capable of taking their chance.

Chelsea travel to Tottenham Hotspur next, with a Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool to follow before Manchester United visit in the Premier League. Penders is expected to remain between the posts for at least those three matches.

Martinez’s shut-out at Everton was his first in six Chelsea appearances since his summer move from Aston Villa. It also ended a 22-match Premier League wait for a Chelsea clean sheet; he had conceded 11 times across his opening five league games for the club.

The goalkeeper is also likely to miss Chelsea’s trip to Sunderland, while his involvement in Argentina friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica is uncertain. He could target a return after the international break, when Chelsea face Leeds United on November 21 or Nottingham Forest on November 27.