Chelsea’s injury-hit Emi Martinez will return to action ‘in a few weeks’

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez told fans he expects to be back on the pitch within a few weeks after undergoing surgery for a head injury sustained during Chelsea’s 2‑0 victory over Everton. The incident occurred on Saturday when Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall delivered a free‑kick into the box and Martinez collided with defender Jarrad Branthwaite. While Branthwaite recovered after treatment, the 34‑year‑old Argentine required assistance from paramedics, was placed on a stretcher and taken to hospital with a concussion. Argentine media also reported that he suffered a jaw injury in the clash.

Martinez shared a photo of himself in a hospital gown on Sunday, writing: “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.”

His absence forced Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to hand a Premier League debut to 21‑year‑old Mike Penders, who helped the team secure its first clean sheet in the league since January. Penders, a Belgian youth international, is expected to remain between the sticks until Martinez is cleared to train.

Chelsea’s upcoming schedule includes a league match against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday, a League Cup fourth‑round tie at Liverpool on 28 October, and a home Premier League game versus Manchester United three days later.