Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has announced that he expects to return to action within a few weeks following a surgical procedure necessitated by an injury sustained during his side's 2-0 Premier League victory at Everton.
The 34-year-old Argentina international suffered the injury during the second half after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The incident required an eight-minute stoppage for medical treatment before Martinez was stretchered off the pitch and subsequently transported to a hospital, where manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the player had suffered a concussion.
Writing from his hospital bed on Sunday, Martinez expressed gratitude for the widespread support and confirmed that his operation had been successful. He emphasized the importance of the team's victory and clean sheet, reassuring supporters that he would be back on the pitch shortly.
In Martinez's absence, 21-year-old Mike Penders stepped in to make his Premier League debut and is now slated to start Chelsea's next three encounters. Those fixtures include crucial league matches against Tottenham and Manchester United, alongside a Carabao Cup fixture away at Liverpool.
Penders, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2024 following a transfer from Belgian club Genk for seventeen million pounds, earned praise from his manager. Alonso highlighted the young goalkeeper's bravery and personality, expressing complete confidence in his abilities and stressing the collective strength of the squad where every player must be ready to contribute.