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Emiliano Martinez has jaw surgery after Chelsea win at Everton

James O'Connor
James O'Connor
Soccer Analyst
10:16 AM
SOCCER
Emiliano Martinez has jaw surgery after Chelsea win at Everton
Emiliano Martinez says he expects to return in a few weeks after surgery on a broken jaw. Mike Penders is poised to deputise following Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton.

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone surgery after breaking his jaw during Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory at Everton, BBC Sport reported. The Argentina international said on Sunday that he expected to return in a few weeks, although his social media update did not give a specific date for his comeback.

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Martinez, 34, was injured in a second-half collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The pair clashed heads, and the goalkeeper received treatment for eight minutes before being carried off on a stretcher. He was then taken to hospital, where Chelsea said the operation had been successful, according to the BBC's report.

Posting a photograph of himself in a hospital gown on Sunday, Martinez thanked those who had sent messages and said the surgery had gone well. He also highlighted Chelsea's victory and clean sheet in his update. His expectation of being back within weeks offers an indication of his hopes for recovery, rather than confirmation that he will be available for a particular fixture.

Mike Penders came on for Martinez to make his Premier League debut and now looks likely to remain in goal during his absence. BBC Sport reported that the 21-year-old is expected to play at least Chelsea's next three matches. That sequence includes league games against Tottenham and Manchester United, with a Carabao Cup visit to Liverpool between them.

Penders joined Chelsea from Belgian club Genk in a £17 million deal in 2024. In comments carried by the BBC, Alonso expressed confidence in the goalkeeper's personality and bravery, praised his contribution after coming on and pointed to his previous cup appearances. He also stressed the importance of players across the squad being ready to contribute when called upon.

Chelsea secured Saturday's win through two Pedro Neto goals, recorded by the BBC's match coverage in the 46th and 90th minutes after a goalless first half. Martinez, who joined Chelsea this summer following six seasons at Aston Villa, was unable to finish the match. Penders helped see out the victory and is now in line for further opportunities while the senior goalkeeper recovers.

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