Martinez targets quick return after jaw surgery as Penders steps in for Chelsea
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he will be back in a few weeks after surgery on a jaw injury sustained in the 2-0 win at Everton, with Mike Penders set to cover.
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has said he expects to return "in a few weeks" after undergoing an operation on the jaw injury he sustained in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory at Everton. The Argentina international, 34, was injured in a second-half head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Martinez received treatment for eight minutes before being carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso later said the goalkeeper had been concussed. Reports indicated Martinez had broken his jaw, though that detail was not confirmed by the club in the article.
Writing on social media on Sunday while wearing a hospital gown, Martinez thanked supporters for their messages, said the operation had gone well and stressed that the win and clean sheet mattered most. He added that the team would be back within weeks.
In his absence, 21-year-old Mike Penders, who replaced Martinez to make his Premier League debut, looks set to start Chelsea's next three matches at least. Chelsea face Tottenham and Manchester United in the league, with a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool in between. Penders joined from Belgian side Genk for £17m in 2024.
Alonso backed the young deputy, describing him as having personality and bravery and saying the staff have full trust in him. The manager noted Penders has played in cup games and whenever needed, and framed the situation as part of a squad where every player feels important and can take their moment.
Supporters' well wishes, relayed by Martinez on social media, reflect concern for the goalkeeper, while Alonso's comments offer the club's assessment of Penders' readiness rather than any guarantee of results.
Image: Reuters / BBC Sport
