Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has confirmed he expects to return to action in a few weeks after breaking his jaw during the club’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday.
Key Highlights
- Emiliano Martinez broke his jaw in a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton.
- Chelsea say his operation was successful.
- Martinez says he will be back “in a few weeks.”
- Mike Penders, 21, is set to start the next three matches at least.
- Chelsea face Tottenham, Liverpool (Carabao Cup) and Manchester United next.
The 34-year-old Argentina international sustained the injury in a second-half collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Martinez received medical attention for about eight minutes before being stretchered off the pitch and taken to hospital, where he underwent what Chelsea described as a successful operation.
‘In a Few Weeks We’ll Be Back’
The goalkeeper provided an update on his condition on Sunday through a social media post, accompanied by a photograph of himself in a hospital gown.
“Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well,” Martinez wrote.
“The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we’ll be back.”
Martinez joined Chelsea from Aston Villa during the summer after spending six seasons with the Birmingham-based club.
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Penders Gets His Chance
His injury is expected to give fellow goalkeeper Mike Penders an opportunity to establish himself in the first team over the coming weeks.
Penders, 21, replaced Martinez against Everton to make his Premier League debut and is expected to feature in Chelsea’s next three matches at least.
Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the league, with a Carabao Cup encounter against Liverpool scheduled between the two fixtures.
The Belgian goalkeeper joined Chelsea from Genk in 2024 for a reported £17 million and has featured in cup competitions.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expressed confidence in Penders, praising his character and performance after coming off the bench against Everton.
“Mike has personality. He’s brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on,” Alonso said.
He added that the young goalkeeper had performed whenever called upon in cup matches, stressing the importance of having players ready to contribute when opportunities arise.
“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,” he said.
Chelsea will now monitor Martinez’s recovery as they prepare for a demanding run of domestic fixtures, with Penders likely to take over goalkeeping duties during the Argentine’s absence.
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