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Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was taken to hospital for precautionary tests after suffering a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during their Premier League encounter on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the second half of the match at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, forcing a lengthy stoppage as medical personnel attended to both players.
According to the Associated Press, Martínez came off his line to deal with a cross into the penalty area but collided with Branthwaite in the process. Medical staff from both teams immediately moved onto the pitch to assess the players.
Branthwaite underwent a concussion assessment and was able to continue playing, while Martínez required more extensive treatment. The Chelsea goalkeeper was treated on the pitch for about 10 minutes before being carried off on a stretcher.
The incident halted play for approximately nine minutes as the medical teams worked to assess the condition of the players. Martínez was subsequently replaced by Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut for Chelsea.
Alonso provides update on goalkeeper’s condition
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso provided an update on Martínez’s condition after the match, saying the goalkeeper had remained conscious when he left the stadium and was taken to hospital for precautionary examinations.
“As far as I know he left the stadium conscious … right now he is at the hospital doing precautionary tests … so let’s see … but this is what I know so far,” Alonso told TNT Sports, according to The Guardian.
The manager’s comments offered some reassurance following the worrying incident, although further details about the goalkeeper’s condition and the outcome of the medical tests were not immediately available in the report.
The collision also drew attention from supporters in the stadium, with The Guardian reporting that some Everton fans booed as Martínez was carried off the pitch.
Penders makes Premier League debut
Martínez’s departure presented an opportunity for Penders to make his Premier League debut for Chelsea.
The young goalkeeper came on as a substitute after the medical team determined that Martínez could not continue. He was tasked with helping Chelsea see out the remainder of the contest following the lengthy interruption.
Chelsea eventually secured a 2-0 victory over Everton, with Pedro Neto scoring in the 46th and 90th minutes to seal the three points.
The result moved Chelsea above Everton in the Premier League table at the time of the report, providing a significant boost to their league campaign.
However, attention after the final whistle remained focused on Martínez’s health, with the club awaiting the outcome of his precautionary medical examinations.
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