Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez has undergone successful surgery for a fractured jaw and faces an unspecified period on the sidelines.
The Premier League club confirmed the development in a statement following the goalkeeper’s injury during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Martinez sustained the injury after colliding with an Everton defender midway through the second half of the encounter.
The Argentine was stretchered off the pitch following a lengthy stoppage before being taken to a hospital in Liverpool for further medical assessment.
Examinations confirmed a fractured jaw that required surgery, which was subsequently carried out successfully.
“Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone successful surgery on a fractured jaw. Martinez was injured following a collision midway through the second half of our 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday,” Chelsea said.
The club added that Martinez was taken to hospital for further assessment, which confirmed the injury and the need for surgery.
“Everyone at Chelsea wishes Emi a speedy recovery and will support him throughout,” the statement added.
Martinez reportedly expects to be out of action for a few weeks as he begins his recovery.
Despite the injury, the goalkeeper kept his first clean sheet in seven matches for Chelsea, having joined the club at the start of the season.
His absence could pose a challenge for the club as it prepares for its upcoming fixtures, although Chelsea has yet to announce a definitive timetable for his return.
