Emiliano Martinez has provided an encouraging update from his hospital bed following a sickening collision during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton, vowing to return to action ‘in a few weeks’.
Pedro Neto struck at either end of the second half as Chelsea recorded their first clean sheet of the Premier League season to move up to fourth in the table on Saturday.
But the concern surrounding Martinez’s condition largely overshadowed this weekend’s contest on Merseyside, with the World Cup-winning goalkeeper left in a heap on the turf after clashing heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Play was put on hold for eight minutes midway through the second period at the Hill Dickinson Stadium while Martinez received treatment from Chelsea’s medical staff.
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The 34-year-old Argentina international was eventually stretchered off the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery to correct a broken jaw.
‘Thanks to everyone for the messages, the operation went well,’ Martinez subsequently told his followers on Instagram.
‘The most important thing is that we won and with a clean sheet. We’ll be back in a few weeks [love heart emoji].’
Mike Penders came on in place of Martinez for the remainder of the match and will be expected to continue his run in the side when Xabi Alonso’s men return to action at home to bitter rivals Tottenham in a week’s time.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper was making only his third first-team appearance for the Blues following a £17million transfer move from Belgian outfit Genk.
He spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, where he made 33 league appearances to help the club to an eighth-placed finish in Ligue 1.
‘Mike has personality,’ Chelsea manager Alonso said of the young Belgian.
‘He’s brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on.
‘He played in the cup games and whenever he’s needed. Like the other players, whenever they are needed they can perform.
‘It’s all about the squad, that all the players feel important and can have their moment whenever they are needed, and that’s very positive.’
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When asked to give his thoughts on Chelsea’s overall performance, Alonso praised his players for their ‘professionalism’ and ‘control of the game’.
‘We are very happy with the result and the performance,’ the Spaniard told reporters.
‘We needed one of these wins away, very professional, very serious, looking solid. It is a very good win.
‘We looked in control of the game. There were moments when we had to defend, especially in the first half, but overall the team looked mature.’
‘We knew what to do in each moment and knew we would have our own moments, and that happened in the second half, and after that we were good with the ball, created chances, conceded not much, and we got the clean sheet.
‘We knew it would be a matter of time but finally we got it.’
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