Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone surgery following a serious collision during his side’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, with the Argentine indicating he hopes to return to action in a few weeks.

The 34-year-old confirmed that the operation was successful in a social media message on Sunday, thanking supporters for their concern after he was stretchered off during Saturday’s match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“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. In a few weeks we’ll be back.”

Martinez suffered the injury in the second half when he collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to deal with a free kick into Chelsea’s penalty area.

The goalkeeper received lengthy treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso later confirmed that Martinez had suffered a concussion, while reports from Argentina indicated that he had also sustained a jaw injury.

The incident overshadowed Chelsea’s victory, which was secured by Pedro Neto’s second-half brace. The Portuguese winger scored shortly after the interval before adding a second during stoppage time to give the visitors all three points.


Martinez’s departure forced Alonso to introduce 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut after replacing the injured Argentine.

The Belgian goalkeeper helped Chelsea preserve their clean sheet, their first in the league since January, providing an encouraging response during a difficult moment in the match.

Alonso praised Penders’ composure and expressed confidence in the young goalkeeper’s ability to take responsibility when called upon.

“Mike has personality. He’s brave, and we have full trust with him. He did well,” the Chelsea manager said.

He added that the team’s strength depended on players being ready to contribute whenever opportunities arose.

“It’s all about the squad, that all the players feel important and can have their moment whenever they are needed, and that’s very positive,” Alonso said.


Martinez’s injury presents an immediate selection concern for Chelsea as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures across domestic competitions.

The London club are scheduled to host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League before travelling to face Liverpool in the League Cup on October 28. They will then welcome Manchester United in another league encounter.

Penders is expected to be considered for the starting role while Martinez recovers, although the Argentine’s return will depend on his progress and medical clearance.

Chelsea will hope the successful operation marks the beginning of a smooth recovery for their goalkeeper, whose latest message has offered encouragement to supporters after an alarming injury during the victory at Everton.