Martinez says operation went well and targets return in a few weeks

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says his operation went well and expects to return in a few weeks after being injured during Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory at Everton. BBC Sport reported the update from the Argentina international's social media account on Sunday, following his hospital admission after a collision in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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Martinez, 34, received treatment for eight minutes after colliding heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. He was then carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso subsequently said the goalkeeper was concussed. BBC Sport also reported that Martinez had reportedly broken his jaw; that injury remained a reported diagnosis in its account rather than a confirmed finding attributed to the club.

In his message, posted while wearing a hospital gown, Martinez thanked those who had contacted him and said the operation had been successful. He also highlighted Chelsea's victory and clean sheet. His expectation of being back in a few weeks provides an initial indication of his hopes for recovery, but the update did not give a specific date for his return to action.

Mike Penders replaced Martinez against Everton, making his Premier League debut. BBC Sport said the 21-year-old looks set to play at least Chelsea's next three matches. Those fixtures comprise league games against Tottenham and Manchester United, with a Carabao Cup meeting away to Liverpool between them. That sequence would give Penders responsibilities in two competitions while Martinez recovers.

Alonso expressed confidence in Penders after his appearance from the bench, praising his personality and bravery and saying the team trusted him. The manager also pointed to the goalkeeper's previous involvement in cup matches. His comments emphasised the importance of squad members being ready to contribute when called upon, rather than relying only on the regular starting players.

Penders joined Chelsea from Belgian club Genk in 2024 for £17m. Martinez arrived this summer after six seasons at Aston Villa. For now, Chelsea have the goalkeeper's positive report on his operation and his broad recovery estimate, with Penders positioned to deputise during the forthcoming run of fixtures.