Chelsea keeper Martinez to return 'in a few weeks' after jaw surgery
Synopsis
Chelsea's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez fractured his jaw in a brave collision during Chelsea's hard-fought 2-0 win at Everton, undergoing surgery before posting a characteristically upbeat message from his hospital bed. With Penders stepping up on debut and Pedro Neto's double sealing the points, Chelsea ended a lengthy clean-sheet drought — but now must manage without their first-choice keeper for weeks.
Key Takeaways
Emiliano Martinez fractured his jaw in a collision during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium .
Martinez underwent successful surgery and posted from hospital that he will return 'in a few weeks.' Substitute keeper Penders replaced Martinez and made his Premier League debut .
Pedro Neto scored both goals — one at the start and one at the close of the second half.
The result ended Chelsea's clean-sheet drought stretching back to January and was their first league win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium .
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised the team's defensive discipline and clinical finishing.
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has confirmed a successful surgery for a fractured jaw, posting from his hospital bed that he will be 'back in a few weeks.' Martinez was injured during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 18 October 2026, and was taken to hospital for further assessment before undergoing the procedure.
How the Injury Happened
The incident occurred midway through the second half when Martinez bravely moved to clear an inswinging free-kick, colliding with Jarrad Branthwaite and Thierno Barry in the process. The goalkeeper required approximately ten minutes of on-field treatment before being replaced by substitute Penders, who made his Premier League debut in the process.
Martinez's Message from Hospital
'Thanks to everyone for the messages; the operation went well. The most important thing is that we won and kept a clean sheet. We'll be back in a few weeks,' Martinez wrote on social media, accompanied by a photo from his hospital bed. The goalkeeper's composure and team-first focus was noted widely, given the nature of the injury.
Key Moments from the Match
Before the injury, Martinez had been in fine form. He made an early save to deny Merlin Rohl, was penalised for holding onto the ball too long — leading to a corner from which Jack Grealish's cross found Thierno Barry unmarked — but redeemed himself with a full-stretch tip over Grealish's bouncing volley before the half-hour mark. Both Martinez and Penders stood tall when required to preserve the clean sheet.
Chelsea's Win and Alonso's Verdict
Goals from Pedro Neto — one right at the start of the second half and one at its close — secured Chelsea's first league win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending a run without a clean sheet stretching back to January. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised his side's blend of defensive discipline, attacking cohesion, and clinical finishing as the club collected all three points. Notably, the clean sheet was described as 'thoroughly well earned' given the injury disruption in goal.
What Happens Next
Martinez's timeline of 'a few weeks' suggests he could return before the end of the current Premier League cycle. In the short term, Penders is expected to deputise, having impressed on debut under difficult circumstances. Chelsea will be hoping to retain their defensive solidity while their first-choice keeper recovers.
Point of View
Underlining the defensive structure Alonso has instilled. The real question is whether Penders, impressive in his cameo, can hold the line long enough that Chelsea's top-four push isn't derailed by their first-choice keeper's absence. Martinez's social media post, team-first in tone, does the PR work — but it doesn't solve the rotation problem on the pitch.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Emiliano Martinez suffer against Everton?
Martinez fractured his jaw after colliding with Jarrad Branthwaite and Thierno Barry while clearing a free-kick midway through the second half of Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton. He was taken to hospital, where the fracture was confirmed, and subsequently underwent successful surgery.
When will Martinez return from injury?
Martinez has said he will be 'back in a few weeks,' based on his own social media post from hospital after surgery. A precise return date has not been officially confirmed by Chelsea.
Who replaced Martinez in goal against Everton?
Substitute keeper Penders replaced Martinez and made his Premier League debut after the goalkeeper required around ten minutes of on-field treatment before being unable to continue.
How did Chelsea win 2-0 against Everton?
Pedro Neto scored both goals — one at the start of the second half and one near its close — to secure Chelsea's first league win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and their first clean sheet since January.
What did Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso say about the win?
Xabi Alonso said he was delighted with Chelsea's performance, praising the team's defensive discipline, attacking cohesion, and clinical finishing from Pedro Neto that earned them three points despite the disruption caused by Martinez's injury.
