Chelsea keeper Martinez posts hospital update after fractured jaw, says comeback is weeks away

Martinez was stretchered off during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton following a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite. — Picture via Instagram/Emiliano Martinez

First Published: Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 6:08 PM MYT

LONDON, Oct 18 — Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said he would be fit to return “in a few weeks” following surgery on a fractured jaw sustained during his team’s 2-0 Premier League win at Everton.

The Argentina international was taken to hospital after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the second half of yesterday’s game at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Martinez, 34, required eight minutes of treatment on the pitch before he was carried off on a stretcher. Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso later said he had suffered a concussion.

“Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well,” Martinez wrote on social media today alongside a photo of himself in a hospital bed.

“The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. We’ll be back in a few weeks.”

Mike Penders is set to deputise in Martinez’s absence. The 21-year-old made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Everton.

He joined from Belgian club Genk in August 2024 and has spent the past two seasons out on loan, including a spell at Strasbourg last term. — AFP