Emiliano Martinez Out for Weeks After Surgery Following Collision with Branthwaite
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he will be fit "in a few weeks" after having an operation following the 2-0 Premier League win at Everton on Saturday. The 34-year-old Argentina international collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half and needed treatment for eight minutes before leaving the pitch on a stretcher.
- Match: Everton 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
- Injury: Collision with Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half; eight minutes of treatment; stretchered off
- Operation: Surgery successful, Martinez says he will be back "in a few weeks"
- Replacement: Mike Penders made his Premier League debut; set to play next three matches at least
- Upcoming fixtures: Tottenham (PL), Liverpool (Carabao Cup), Manchester United (PL)
What was said
"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."
"Mike has personality. He's brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on."
"He played in the cup games and whenever he's needed. Like the other players, whenever they are needed they can perform."
"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."
Martinez's upbeat message, posted while wearing a hospital gown, will reassure Chelsea supporters that the injury is not as severe as first feared. The goalkeeper was taken to hospital for what were described as "precautionary tests" following the match, and manager Xabi Alonso confirmed he was concussed. The surgery appears to have addressed the immediate issue, and Martinez's focus on the team's clean sheet underlines his mentality.
Alonso's comments on Penders are telling. The Chelsea boss has full trust in the 21-year-old, who signed from Genk for £17m in 2024. Penders made his Premier League debut in difficult circumstances at Goodison Park but handled himself well, and Alonso's emphasis on squad players feeling important suggests he has no intention of rushing Martinez back before he is ready.
Injury and availability
- Emiliano Martinez: Out for "a few weeks" after successful surgery; was concussed and stretchered off against Everton; will miss upcoming matches.
- Mike Penders: Available and set to start in Martinez's absence; made Premier League debut as substitute.
Chelsea's medical team will monitor Martinez's recovery closely, but the initial prognosis suggests he could return before the end of the month. The club has not given a specific return date, only Martinez's own estimate of "a few weeks".
Why Chelsea can trust Penders in Martinez's absence
Mike Penders arrived at Chelsea from Genk in 2024 for £17m with a reputation as one of Belgium's most promising young goalkeepers. At 21, he is still learning his trade, but Alonso's faith in him is clear. The manager highlighted Penders' personality and bravery, qualities that are essential for a goalkeeper stepping into a high-pressure situation. Penders' performance against Everton, coming off the bench in the second half, will have given his teammates confidence.
The upcoming fixtures are a stern test for any goalkeeper. Tottenham and Manchester United in the Premier League present different challenges: Spurs' dynamic attack and United's counter-attacking threat. In between, a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool adds another layer of difficulty. Penders will need to communicate effectively with his defence and command his area, particularly from set-pieces. Alonso's squad rotation policy means the young goalkeeper has already featured in cup games, so he is not entirely new to the first-team environment.
Emiliano Martinez's absence also puts pressure on Chelsea's defensive structure. The Argentine is known for his distribution and shot-stopping, and his leadership from the back is invaluable. However, Alonso has built a squad designed to cope with injuries. The manager's comments about every player feeling important suggest that he will not allow Martinez's absence to derail Chelsea's season. Instead, it is an opportunity for Penders to stake his claim and for the squad to demonstrate its depth.
Talking points
- Should Chelsea sign an experienced backup goalkeeper in January, or is Penders ready to handle a run of crucial matches against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United?
- Was the challenge from Jarrad Branthwaite reckless, or simply a collision that happens in football? The eight-minute stoppage and concussion suggest it was serious.
- Martinez's positive social media post is encouraging, but does "a few weeks" mean he will be back for the busy festive period or risk being rushed?
- Xabi Alonso's emphasis on squad depth is admirable, but relying on a 21-year-old with one Premier League appearance is a gamble at a club with Chelsea's ambitions.
What happens next
Chelsea face Tottenham in the Premier League next, followed by a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool and then Manchester United in the league. Mike Penders is expected to start all three matches at least. The club will continue to monitor Martinez's recovery, with the goalkeeper targeting a return within a few weeks. Chelsea's medical staff will assess his progress after the operation, and Alonso will provide further updates as the situation develops.
Frequently asked questions
How long will Emiliano Martinez be out for?
Martinez said he will be fit "in a few weeks" after having an operation following the collision with Jarrad Branthwaite.
Who will play in goal for Chelsea while Martinez is injured?
Mike Penders, who replaced Martinez to make his Premier League debut against Everton, looks set to play in Chelsea's next three matches at least.
What happened to Emiliano Martinez against Everton?
Martinez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half and needed treatment for eight minutes before leaving the pitch on a stretcher. He was taken to hospital and manager Xabi Alonso said he was concussed.
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