Chelsea goalkeeper Martinez undergoes jaw surgery, expects return in weeks
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez underwent jaw surgery after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the 67th minute at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The match was halted for more than eight minutes. Martinez was immobilised, given oxygen and stretchered off in the 75th minute to a waiting ambulance, replaced by 21-year-old Mike Penders on his Premier League debut. Chelsea won 2-0 with both goals from Pedro Neto. The result was Chelsea's first Premier League clean sheet in nine months, ending a 22-game run without a league shutout and lifting them to fourth. Martinez, a 34-year-old Argentina international, posted from his hospital bed that the operation went well and he will be back in a few weeks. His wife Mandinha said he is doing well, it is nothing serious, and he will soon be back to his normal self, thanking fans for their support. CONTESTED: Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso told reporters after the match it was a concussion but more than that, that he saw just one clip, and for now they need to wait. Martinez said the operation went well and he will be back in a few weeks. Mandinha said the injury is nothing serious. Everton manager David Moyes said he had not seen the incident clearly from the dugout and hoped Martinez was fine.