Martinez Faces Weeks Out After Jaw Surgery as Penders Steps In for Chelsea

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez broke his jaw during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League victory at Everton, an injury that will keep the 34-year-old Argentina international out for weeks and hand a prolonged opportunity to his understudy. The Emiliano Martinez jaw injury stemmed from a second-half head clash with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

How the injury unfolded

Martinez required eight minutes of on-field treatment before leaving on a stretcher. He was taken to hospital, and Chelsea later confirmed that surgery had been successful. The club did not specify the full severity of the fracture or the length of his hospital stay.

On Sunday, Martinez posted a photograph of himself in a hospital gown on social media. He said the operation had gone well and thanked people for their messages. He also stressed that the win and the clean sheet mattered most, and indicated the team would be back in a few weeks. An exact return date has not been set.

Penders handed extended run

Mike Penders replaced Martinez at Everton to make his Premier League debut as a substitute. The 21-year-old is now expected to start at least Chelsea’s next three matches: league fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United, with a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool in between.

Chelsea signed Penders from Belgian club Genk for £17m in 2024. His debut came in difficult circumstances, but manager Xabi Alonso said the young goalkeeper did well when he came on and that the club has full trust in him. Alonso also highlighted Penders’s personality and bravery, noting that he has already played in cup games and whenever needed.

Alonso used the moment to underline the importance of squad depth, saying players on the periphery must feel valued and have their moments. That message carries added weight now that Penders is set for an extended run in the side.

Match context and what lies ahead

Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton was secured before Martinez’s injury overshadowed the closing stages. The clean sheet was preserved, a detail Martinez himself singled out in his social media update.

Martinez joined Chelsea in the summer after six seasons at Aston Villa. His absence leaves Chelsea relying on a goalkeeper who had not previously appeared in the Premier League, though Alonso’s public backing was unambiguous. The coming fixtures against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United will test that confidence quickly.