Surgery successful, Martinez hopes to return in a few weeks

Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering after undergoing successful surgery for a fractured jaw sustained during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday.

The 34-year-old suffered the injury in the 67th minute at Hill Dickinson Stadium when he collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to clear a free-kick. After receiving lengthy treatment on the pitch, Martinez was stretchered off and taken to hospital.

Medical examinations confirmed a fractured jaw, requiring urgent surgery. Martinez later shared a photograph from his hospital bed on social media, thanking supporters for their messages and confirming that the operation had gone well.

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

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had earlier said Martinez was conscious when he left the field and had been taken to hospital for precautionary examinations. The goalkeeper was also reported to have suffered a concussion.

Although Martinez is optimistic about returning within weeks, reports suggest his recovery could take around 40 days. The injury has also raised doubts over his availability for Argentina’s international friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica in November.

Despite the injury setback, Chelsea secured all three points through Pedro Neto’s brace, ending Everton’s unbeaten start to the season. The victory also marked Chelsea’s first clean sheet of the campaign, leaving the club fifth in the Premier League standings with 13 points from seven matches.

-MaT