Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has offered an update on the condition of Emiliano Martinez who suffered a nasty injury against Everton.
The experienced goalkeeper collided with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite while coming out to claim a free-kick cross late in the first half.
There was a lengthy break in play as the two players received medical treatment on the pitch.
While Branthwaite was back on his feet soon after and able to continue play, Martinez was carried off on a stretcher after being fitted with a neck brace.
The 34-year-old was replaced by Mike Penders, marking the Belgian’s Premier League debut since joining the club in the summer.
Alonso provided an update on Martinez’s condition after the away game. Speaking on TNT Sports, he said:
“As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious; he’s in the hospital doing precautionary tests. Let’s see. This is all I know so far.”
Chelsea were leading 1-0 at the time of Martinez’s injury, with Pedro Neto scoring immediately after the interval from Jorrel Hato’s deflected cutback.
Everton attempted to make a comeback but could not find a way past the visitors’ resolute defence.
Neto put the game beyond doubt in the 90th minute, slotting home a cool finish after Jordan Henderson’s free-kick hit the wall.
The result means the Blues have claimed back-to-back wins in the English top-flight, climbing to fourth in the league standings.
Chelsea were on a three-match winless run before the international break, but they have made a stunning comeback since returning to action.