Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will be sidelined for several weeks following surgery after sustaining a head injury during the club's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday. According to BBC Sport, the 34-year-old Argentina international collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half and required eight minutes of treatment before being carried from the pitch on a stretcher.
The goalkeeper was transported to hospital, where manager Xabi Alonso confirmed he had been concussed. In a message posted on social media from his hospital bed on Sunday, Martinez expressed optimism about his recovery:
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.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Chelsea's campaign. According to ESPN, the win was the club's first Premier League away victory under Alonso and ended Everton's unbeaten start to the season. Pedro Neto opened the scoring 43 seconds into the second half, finishing a deflected cross from Jorrel Hato, before completing a brace later in the match.
Martinez joined Chelsea this summer after six seasons at Aston Villa, bringing extensive experience to the position. His absence creates an immediate challenge for the club's goalkeeping department during a crucial period of the season.
Who will replace Martinez in goal?
Mike Penders, the 21-year-old backup goalkeeper, is set to start Chelsea's next three matches. The young shot-stopper replaced Martinez on Saturday and made his Premier League debut, impressing during his time on the pitch. Penders, signed from Belgian club Genk for £17 million in 2024, will face a demanding schedule as Chelsea prepares for matches against Tottenham and Manchester United in the league, with a Carabao Cup fixture against Liverpool sandwiched between them.
Alonso expressed confidence in his backup's ability to handle the responsibility.
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. 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.
What are Chelsea's upcoming fixtures?
Chelsea are scheduled to host Tottenham on 24 October at 17:30, followed by a Carabao Cup trip to Liverpool on 28 October at 20:00. These matches will test Penders' readiness at the highest level during a period when the club will be without its established first-choice goalkeeper.
The performance against Everton demonstrated Chelsea's attacking prowess despite the injury setback. Everton recorded 0.45 expected goals to Chelsea's 1.53, despite Chelsea having 53% possession, highlighting the efficiency of Alonso's side in converting their opportunities. The clean sheet will provide some consolation as the club navigates the period ahead without their goalkeeper.
