Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez has undergone emergency surgery after a nasty collision with Everton

Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez underwent emergency surgery after a nasty collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Saturday’s Premier League clash. The Argentina goalkeeper confirmed the operation went well after being taken to hospital with concussion following the incident.

Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Pedro Neto scoring twice to end Everton’s unbeaten start to the league season. But the result was overshadowed by a lengthy second-half injury stoppage after Martinez and Branthwaite collided while trying to deal with a free-kick. Courtesy: Reuters

Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sent the play into the box as the two players combined. While Branthwaite was able to get back on his feet after treatment, Martinez needed the help of paramedics.

The 34-year-old man was eventually strapped to a stretcher and carried off the field before being taken to hospital. Argentine media reported that he suffered a jaw injury in the collision.

MARTINEZ PROVIDES SURGERY UPDATES

Martinez shared an update from his hospital bed on social media early Sunday, thanking fans for their messages and confirming that his surgery was a success.

“Thanks everyone for the messages. Surgery went well,” Martinez wrote.

“The most important thing is that we won and kept a clean sheet. We’ll be back in a few weeks.” Update from Emi Martinez from the hospital. (photo on Instagram)

Injury has forced Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to hand Mike Penders his Premier League debut. The 21-year-old goalkeeper helped Chelsea secure their first clean sheet in the league since January.

Penders, a Belgium youth international, could now be called upon to deputize for Martinez until the Argentine is cleared to return to training.

Chelsea have a busy schedule in the coming weeks, starting with a Premier League home game against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday. They then travel to Liverpool for a League Cup fourth-round tie on October 28 and host Manchester United in the league three days later.

ALONSO SUPPORTS THE YOUNG GUARD

Alonso expressed his confidence in Penders after the young goalkeeper stepped in following Martinez’s injury, praising his composure and performances when called upon.

“Mike has personality. He is brave and we have full confidence in him. He has done well,” Alonso told reporters.

“He has played in cup games and whenever he is needed, like other players, whenever they are needed, they can play.

“It’s all about the squad, that all the players feel important and can have their moment whenever it’s needed and that’s very positive.”

– The end