The 34-year-old had successful surgery following a clash of heads in the 2-0 victory, and Mike Penders is set to deputise.
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he will return “in a few weeks” after breaking his jaw in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win at Everton. The Argentina international collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He needed eight minutes of treatment before leaving the pitch on a stretcher, and was taken to hospital, where Chelsea said he had “successful” surgery. Mike Penders replaced him and made his Premier League debut.
Martinez’s message
Martinez posted a photograph of himself in a hospital gown on social media on Sunday. “Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well,” he wrote. “The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we’ll be back.”
The return estimate is his own, not a formal club schedule. Chelsea’s medical announcement confirms the fractured jaw and the successful operation but gives no timetable. He will need medical clearance before he can train or play again. His wife, Mandinha Martinez, has also reassured supporters that he is recovering well, according to the Irish Sun. There has been no verified announcement that he has left hospital.
Concussion and the collision
The research notes say Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Martinez also suffered a concussion. They say the collision happened as he dealt with an Everton free-kick, and that treatment lasted eight to ten minutes. Alonso reportedly said he was conscious when he left the stadium. Match reports describe him giving Branthwaite a thumbs-up after the defender came over to check on him. Branthwaite had a concussion assessment on the pitch and was allowed to continue. There is no confirmed sign that he was seriously hurt.
Penders steps in
Penders, 21, signed from Belgian club Genk for £17m in 2024. He looks set to play in Chelsea’s next three matches at least, against Tottenham and Manchester United in the Premier League, with a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool in between. Alonso has not formally confirmed that he will start every game.
Alonso said: “Mike has personality. He’s brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on. He played in the cup games and whenever he’s needed. Like the other players, whenever they are needed they can perform.”
He added: “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 notes say Penders spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, making 52 appearances and keeping 12 clean sheets as they reached the Conference League semi-finals. He had also played in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup wins over Luton on 27 August and Leeds on 9 September.
The result
Pedro Neto scored both goals, one shortly after half-time and the other in the 90th minute. The notes say it was Chelsea’s first Premier League clean sheet since January, a nine-month wait, and Everton’s first league defeat of the season. Chelsea moved into fourth place afterwards.
Morgan Rogers was booked in the first half but avoided a second yellow card after a later challenge, which drew questions from Everton supporters and commentators.
The notes list Chelsea’s next fixtures as Tottenham on 24 October, Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on 28 October, Manchester United in early November and Sunderland before the November international break. They are subject to rescheduling.
