Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will be out for a few weeks after undergoing surgery following a concussion sustained during Saturday’s Premier League win at Everton. The 34-year-old Argentina international collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half, requiring eight minutes of on-pitch treatment before being stretchered off.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Martinez had been concussed and taken to hospital for precautionary tests. The goalkeeper later posted on social media in a hospital gown: "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."
Martinez’s injury forced a change in Chelsea’s goalkeeping setup, with Mike Penders stepping in to make his Premier League debut. The 21-year-old, signed from Belgian club Genk for £17 million earlier this year, is set to start the next three matches, including Premier League fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United, as well as a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool.
Alonso praised Penders’s performance after the match, saying, "Mike has personality. He's brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on." The manager added that Penders had experience in cup games and was ready to perform when called upon. "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," Alonso said.
Martinez’s injury came at a significant moment in the match as Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park, keeping a clean sheet. The incident raised immediate concerns, given the length of treatment and the need for hospital evaluation.
Chelsea will rely on Penders in goal while Martinez recovers in the coming weeks. The club has not provided a more specific timeline for his return beyond the initial estimate shared by the goalkeeper himself. Meanwhile, the team prepares for a busy schedule, facing challenging fixtures in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.
According to BBC Sports.
