Chelsea's Emi Martinez Undergoes Surgery, Expected Back in 'a Few Weeks'

Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez is set to return to action in a few weeks after undergoing surgery for an injury sustained during the Premier League match against Everton. The 34-year-old Argentine international was involved in a collision with Everton's Branthwaite while claiming a free kick whipped in by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. While Branthwaite was able to continue after treatment, Martinez required immediate medical attention from paramedics. He was subsequently taken to hospital with a concussion, with Argentine media reporting a jaw injury as a result of the incident.

Martinez, who posted on social media from the hospital, confirmed the operation was successful. "Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well," he stated. "The most important thing is that we won and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we’ll be back."

Martinez's absence has led Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to hand a Premier League debut to 21-year-old Mike Penders. Penders, a Belgian youth international, helped Chelsea secure their first league clean sheet since January and is expected to continue in goal until Martinez is medically cleared to resume training.

Chelsea's upcoming fixtures include a league match against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday, followed by a League Cup fourth-round tie at Liverpool on October 28, and a home Premier League game against Manchester United three days later.