Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has provided a positive update on his health after undergoing emergency surgery for a fractured upper jaw, stating that the operation was successful and that he expects to return to the pitch within a few weeks, Goal.com reported.
The incident occurred during a tense Premier League encounter between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park, forcing referee intervention in the 65th minute while Chelsea held a 1-0 lead under manager Xabi Alonso.
Emergency Surgery at Hospital Following Goodison Park Collision
Play was halted for more than 10 minutes following a lateral free-kick awarded to Everton that triggered a scramble inside the six-yard box. Martinez rushed off his line to punch the cross clear, colliding heavily with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Both players received immediate medical attention, with Branthwaite appearing visibly shaken and bleeding from the mouth.
Martinez dropped to the turf in a position that immediately alarmed teammates from both sides. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch as the severity of the collision became clear. After a lengthy delay exceeding 10 minutes, the Argentine goalkeeper was fitted with a neck brace, placed on oxygen, and stretchered off the field in a medical emergency before being transported directly to the hospital.
Hospital scans confirmed a fracture of the upper jaw, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Medical teams completed the operation successfully.
Social Media Update from the Hospital Bed
After waking from the anesthetic, Martinez took to his personal social media accounts to reassure supporters regarding his condition, injecting his characteristic humor to downplay fears surrounding the severe facial injury.
Thank you everyone for your messages. The operation went well,
Martinez stated in his online post. The most important thing is that we won and came away without conceding a goal. I will be back in a few weeks.
The clean sheet preserved Chelsea’s lead established earlier in the match, keeping them ahead in the fixture before the match had to be paused.
Match Context and Squad Implications
The victory at Goodison Park came under challenging circumstances for Xabi Alonso’s side, who had to navigate the final stretch of the match and the ensuing minutes of stoppage time without their starting goalkeeper. With Martinez facing a recovery timeline spanning several weeks, Chelsea’s medical and coaching staff must now prepare backup options for upcoming fixtures.
Jarrad Branthwaite also received treatment following the aerial duel, though Everton’s medical staff managed his recovery on-site as the defender attempted to continue. The extended stoppage significantly altered the rhythm of the second half, adding more than 10 minutes of stoppage time to the fixture.
Expected Return Timeline and Next Fixtures
Martinez’s social media statement targets a return to training and match action within several weeks, pending further clearance from the medical team overseeing his jaw recovery. Chelsea’s upcoming fixture schedule will test the squad’s depth while the Argentine shot-stopper completes his rehabilitation.
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