Emiliano Martinez says he'll be back "in a few weeks" after jaw surgery

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has said he will be back "in a few weeks" after having surgery following the nasty head collision he suffered during the 2-0 Premier League win at Everton. The 34-year-old Argentina international came off worse in a second-half clash with defender Jarrad Branthwaite and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

• Emiliano Martinez underwent successful surgery after fracturing his jaw in the collision with Branthwaite.
• The Chelsea goalkeeper posted on social media that he will return "in a few weeks".
• He needed eight minutes of treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off.
• Mike Penders, 21, made his Premier League debut and is expected to start against Tottenham and Manchester United.

The Jarrad Branthwaite collision that stopped the game

The incident occurred in the second half of the match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Martinez came out to challenge for the ball and collided heavily with Branthwaite, the Everton defender. The impact left the goalkeeper down on the grass and forced the medical staff to treat him for eight long minutes before he was stretchered off in clear pain.

The player was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with a fractured jaw. After the surgical procedure, he moved quickly to reassure supporters with a message posted on his social media channels. Wearing a hospital gown, Martinez thanked everyone for their support and described the operation as a success.

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 Penders, a trusted debutant for Xabi Alonso

Martinez's injury opened the door for Mike Penders, the young Belgian goalkeeper who joined Chelsea from Genk in 2024 for £17 million. At just 21 years old, the shot-stopper played his first Premier League minutes against Everton and impressed, helping the team keep a clean sheet in the closing stages.

Xabi Alonso was quick to back his young keeper publicly. The manager praised his personality and bravery, making it clear he has full trust in him for what lies ahead. "He played in the cup games and whenever he's needed. Like the other players, whenever they are needed they can perform," Alonso explained.

A demanding Chelsea schedule without their first-choice keeper

Martinez's absence, however brief according to his own prognosis, arrives at a delicate moment in the season. Chelsea face high-stakes fixtures in the coming days: an away trip to Tottenham and a home clash with Manchester United in the Premier League, with a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool in between.

Penders is expected to guard the goal in all three matches, at least until the Argentina international receives medical clearance. The team's consistency and defensive solidity shown at Everton give reason for optimism inside the London dressing room.

What Chelsea are playing for in the next fixtures

Every point matters in the race for European places. Chelsea need to keep winning regularly to stay in the upper part of the table, and the games against Tottenham and Manchester United will test the squad's ability to cope without one of their leaders between the posts.

The cup competition also represents a real chance to fight for silverware this season. Beating Liverpool at Anfield will not be easy, but Alonso's side have shown throughout the campaign that they can compete against any opponent.

Chelsea's goal in the hands of a future project

The coaching staff's faith in Penders is nothing new. His signing from Belgian football was precisely about finding a goalkeeper with potential who could take on responsibility when the team needed him. His performances in cup matches had already shown good signs, and Martinez's injury now accelerates his adaptation to the pace of the Premier League.

For Alonso, this situation reinforces an idea he repeats often: the whole squad must be ready to perform when their chance arrives. "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," the manager said after the game.

Martinez's Premier League pedigree

Emiliano Martinez arrived at Chelsea this summer after six seasons at Aston Villa, where he established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in English football. His international experience with Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup, gives him a special weight inside the dressing room.

At 34, the goalkeeper is in top form and his absence, although short, is a significant blow to Alonso's plans. Martinez himself has tried to calm concerns by confirming that his return is closer than initially feared.