Emiliano Martinez left Goodison Park on a stretcher in tears after suffering a heavy head collision during Chelsea’s Premier League match against Everton, according to a report. The Argentina international collided mid-air with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the second half while attempting to punch away a cross from the left flank.
Goodison Park collision forces lengthy stoppage for Chelsea goalkeeper
The incident occurred in the penalty area as both players leaped for a cross following a set-piece. Branthwaite recovered quickly after the challenge, but Martinez required extensive medical attention on the pitch lasting more than ten minutes. Medical personnel fitted a stabilization device and placed the 34-year-old on a stretcher. As he was carried off the field, Martinez folded his hands and briefly raised a thumb to supporters while visibly emotional.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso provided an initial update to broadcasters regarding the goalkeeper’s condition after the final whistle. “Soweit ich weiß, hat er das Stadion bei Bewusstsein verlassen,” Alonso said to TNT Sports, confirming the player left the venue conscious. “Derzeit befindet er sich zu vorsorglichen Untersuchungen im Krankenhaus. Wir werden sehen, wie es weitergeht. Das ist aber alles, was ich im Moment weiß.”
Concussion protocol and physical risks highlighted by pundits
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, working as an analyst for TNT Sports, compared the challenge to high-impact collisions seen in American football. “Das stammt aus der NFL,” Hargreaves noted during the broadcast. “Dort hat man gesehen, was bei vielen Spielern nach der Karriere passiert ist und welche Einflüsse es gab. Und das war für mich beinahe eine NFL-Kollision. Beide waren so zielstrebig und dadurch auch so verletzlich. Die Köpfe prallen zusammen und es gibt überhaupt keinen Schutz, keine Helme. Ich hoffe nur, dass er okay ist.”
Mike Penders makes Premier League debut as Pedro Neto secures victory
Following the injury stoppage, Alonso introduced substitute goalkeeper Mike Penders to replace Martinez. The change marked an official Premier League debut for the Belgian. At the time of the substitution, the visitors held a 1–0 advantage courtesy of Pedro Neto, who scored just seconds after the second-half restart. Neto added a second goal later in the match to seal a 2–0 win for the Blues. “Das mit Emi ist schade,” Neto told reporters after securing the result. “Wir wünschen ihm nur das Beste. Dieser Sieg ist für ihn.”
Martinez joined Chelsea during the summer transfer window for a reported fee of 8.75 million euros following a six-year spell with Aston Villa. Saturday’s fixture marked his sixth competitive appearance for the Stamford Bridge club, during which he has conceded 11 goals and kept one clean sheet.
