Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez underwent successful surgery on a fractured jaw after a horror collision with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Chelsea have confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez suffered a fractured jaw and concussion following a second-half head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Martinez was stretchered off after around ten minutes of treatment and taken to hospital, where surgery was required. He is targeting a return in a few weeks.
- Fixture: Everton 0-2 Chelsea, Premier League
- Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium
- Injury: Fractured jaw and concussion after collision with Jarrad Branthwaite
- Treatment: Stretchered off after around ten minutes, taken to hospital, successful surgery
- Return target: Martinez aims to be back in a few weeks
- Match impact: Martinez made two important saves and helped secure Chelsea's first Premier League clean sheet since January; Pedro Neto scored both goals and dedicated the win to him
Injury and availability
Emiliano Martinez suffered a fractured jaw and concussion in the collision with Branthwaite. He has undergone successful surgery and will need to follow concussion protocols. The club confirmed there has been no serious brain damage, and Martinez has indicated he is aiming to return in a few weeks.
Reece James is facing a lengthy spell out after knee surgery. Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha are also unavailable. The absences leave Chelsea managing a growing fitness list.
What was said
"As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious. Now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests. Let's see, but this is what I know so far."
"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."
Alonso's initial update was understandably cautious, focusing on the fact Martinez left the stadium conscious and was undergoing precautionary tests. The club's later statement provided clarity: surgery was needed, but the prognosis is positive. The key detail is the absence of serious brain damage, which matters more than anything else. The fractured jaw is serious, and the concussion protocol will be respected, but the early signs suggest the outcome could have been far worse.
Pedro Neto, who scored both goals, dedicated the win to Martinez, highlighting the squad's unity after a distressing incident. The goalkeeper had been one of Chelsea's best players before the injury, making two important saves and helping secure the club's first Premier League clean sheet since January.
Chelsea's goalkeeping depth faces immediate test
Emiliano Martinez had been instrumental in Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton, making two crucial saves before his collision with Jarrad Branthwaite. His performance helped secure a first Premier League clean sheet since January, underlining his value to Xabi Alonso's side. The injury leaves Chelsea without their first-choice goalkeeper for the coming weeks, forcing a reorganisation at the back.
The club's medical team will now manage Martinez's concussion protocol carefully, with his jaw surgery already completed successfully. The focus will be on a phased return to training, ensuring no further damage. In the meantime, Chelsea must rely on their backup options, though the source does not name them. The defensive unit, which had just found some stability, will need to adapt quickly.
With Reece James already facing a lengthy spell out after knee surgery, and Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha also unavailable, Chelsea's squad depth is being stretched. Alonso will need to manage his resources carefully, especially with the busy fixture schedule ahead. The goalkeeper position is now a priority concern, but the club will be relieved that Martinez's injury is not more severe.
Talking points
- Should Chelsea have acted quicker in the transfer market to secure a more experienced backup goalkeeper given Martinez's importance?
- Is the ten-minute treatment on the pitch a sign that concussion protocols need reviewing, or was it handled correctly?
- Can Chelsea maintain their defensive solidity without Martinez, or will the absence of their clean-sheet hero expose deeper issues?
- With Reece James also out, is Chelsea's squad depth sufficient to cope with the demands of the season?
What happens next
Chelsea return to Premier League action next weekend, and all eyes will be on who starts in goal. The club will also monitor Martinez's recovery closely, with his target of a few weeks providing a hopeful timeline. The medical team will assess his concussion symptoms daily before allowing a return to training. Meanwhile, Alonso must find a way to maintain momentum without several key players.
Frequently asked questions
What injury did Emiliano Martinez suffer against Everton?
Martinez suffered a fractured jaw and concussion after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite during Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton.
How long will Emiliano Martinez be out for?
Martinez has indicated he is aiming to return in a few weeks, but he will need to follow concussion protocols.
Did Emiliano Martinez have surgery?
Yes, Chelsea confirmed that Martinez underwent successful surgery on his fractured jaw.
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