Published:
Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martínez has undergone surgery after a serious collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Martínez confirmed on social media on Sunday that the operation had gone well. He had been taken to hospital after receiving lengthy treatment on the pitch for a head injury, with reports also indicating a jaw injury.
The incident occurred in the second half as Everton prepared a free kick into Chelsea’s penalty area. Martínez came off his line to deal with the delivery while Branthwaite challenged for the ball, and the pair collided. Both players required attention, but Martínez remained down for longer and medical staff called for a stretcher.
Play was halted for several minutes while the Chelsea goalkeeper received treatment. He was eventually carried from the field and taken to hospital for further assessment. Branthwaite was able to return to the match after being checked by Everton’s medical staff.
Initial reports said Martínez had suffered a concussion, while Argentine media reported a jaw injury that required surgery. Martínez’s own update confirmed that the operation was successful, but the sources cited here did not provide an official return date or a detailed rehabilitation schedule.
In a social media message shared from hospital, Martínez thanked people for their messages and said the surgery had gone well. The update provided reassurance after the worrying scenes at Hill Dickinson Stadium, although it did not specify how long he would be unavailable.
It is important to distinguish the confirmed surgery from speculation about the length of his absence. Some reports suggested a possible recovery period, but without a club medical timeline or a confirmed return date, those estimates should be treated cautiously. Chelsea’s next selection decisions and any further statement from the club will provide clearer indications of his recovery.
The injury overshadowed Chelsea’s result, which was secured by two goals from Pedro Neto. The winger opened the scoring shortly after half-time and added a second in the 90th minute as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0. The result ended Everton’s unbeaten start to the league season.
Martínez’s replacement, 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, came on to make his Premier League debut. He helped Chelsea see out the match and preserve a clean sheet. The National reported that it was Chelsea’s first league clean sheet since January, ending a run of 22 Premier League games without one.
Neto dedicated the win to Martínez after the final whistle, expressing sympathy for the goalkeeper and wishing him well. The reaction reflected the concern among teammates after a collision that required extended on-field treatment.
Martínez’s recovery will be closely watched as Chelsea assess their goalkeeping options for upcoming fixtures. Penders’ league debut gives the club another option, but the immediate question is Martínez’s health and when he will be cleared to return. No selection prediction should be treated as confirmed until Chelsea provide further information.
The episode also underlines the importance of concussion protocols and medical assessment after head collisions. Martínez was treated carefully, immobilised and taken to hospital rather than being asked to continue. His successful surgery is encouraging, but it does not by itself establish when he will be fit to play again.
For football fans, the clearest update is that Martínez has confirmed the operation went well after the collision with Branthwaite. The reported jaw injury and concussion explain why the incident required hospital care, while the lack of an announced timetable means the next official medical update will be important.
This report is based on the supplied Sportstar article, Reuters reporting carried by other outlets, and coverage from India Today and The National. Martínez’s successful surgery is attributed to his public update as reported on October 18. The precise length of his absence remains unconfirmed in the cited material.
