Emiliano Martinez Says Chelsea Return Is Weeks Away After Breaking His Jaw

• Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he will be back in a few weeks after surgery on a broken jaw, suffered in a head clash with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
• Mike Penders, 21, replaced him and became the youngest goalkeeper to play a Premier League match for Chelsea, at 21 years and 78 days.
• Chelsea won 2-0 at Everton and kept their first Premier League clean sheet in 23 matches.

A Hospital Gown Photo and a Promise to Return

Emiliano Martinez posted a photo of himself in a hospital gown on Sunday and told Chelsea supporters the operation on his broken jaw “went well”. The goalkeeper added that “the most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet”, and finished with a promise: “In a few weeks we’ll be back.”

The 34-year-old Argentina international suffered the injury in the second half of Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League win at Everton on Saturday. He collided with Branthwaite as both went for a cross inside the Chelsea box. Branthwaite got to his feet shortly after and played on. Martinez stayed on the ground.

Medical staff worked on him for more than eight minutes at Hill Dickinson Stadium before he was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance. Chelsea later said the surgery had been “successful”. Martinez joined the club this summer after six seasons at Aston Villa.

What Xabi Alonso Knew on Saturday Night

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso gave the first update after the game. “What we know is he left the stadium conscious and right now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests,” Alonso said.

Alonso had seen only one clip of the collision at that stage. “It was concussion but more than that I saw only one clip,” he said. “Hopefully it won’t be too bad but we need to wait.” Martinez’s own message on Sunday then gave supporters the timeline.

Mike Penders Gets His Chance

Penders came on in Martinez’s place and made his Premier League debut. At 21 years and 78 days, Sky Sports stats show he is the youngest goalkeeper to play in the Premier League for Chelsea. He signed from Belgian club Genk for £17m in 2024.

BBC Sport reports that Penders looks set to play in at least Chelsea’s next three matches. They face Tottenham and Manchester United in the Premier League, with a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool in between.

Alonso made his view of the young keeper clear. “Mike has personality. He’s brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on,” the Spaniard said. He pointed out that Penders had already played in the cup games “and whenever he’s needed”.

The manager also used the moment to talk about his wider group, describing a dressing room in which “all the players feel important and can have their moment whenever they are needed”.

A Clean Sheet Chelsea Had Waited a Long Time For

The result carried its own story. Chelsea went into the game having conceded 13 goals in six league matches, more than any other side in the division, according to Sky Sports. The clean sheet at Everton was their first in 23 Premier League matches, going back to a 2-0 home win over Brentford in January.

Alonso kept his celebration measured. “We need to keep working. It is just one game. If it is just one clean sheet, it will be very poor. We need many more,” he said. “For sure, the first one of the season feels good.”

The injury adds to a growing list of problems at Stamford Bridge. Sky Sports News understands captain Reece James is out for around three months after knee surgery, which leaves Alonso short of options in midfield and now without Martinez for a few weeks.

For Penders, that means a run of games against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United in quick succession. For Martinez, it means a few weeks of recovery and a message to supporters that he will be back.

WRITTEN BY

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the Founder of Futbol Chronicle and an accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following international football. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered matches at stadiums around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every match report, player profile, and tactical analysis he writes.

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