Emiliano Martinez to miss Chelsea matches after jaw surgery

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to return to action “in a few weeks” after undergoing successful surgery on a broken jaw.

The 34-year-old Argentina international sustained the injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory away to Everton on Saturday. Martinez was forced to leave the field in the 75th minute after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Martinez posted a message from hospital on social media on Sunday, thanking supporters for their concern.

“Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well,” he wrote.

“The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we’ll be back.”

Mike Penders replaced Martinez for his Premier League debut after the injury. The young goalkeeper joined Chelsea from Genk in 2024 and is expected to start the club’s next league matches against Tottenham and Manchester United, as well as their Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised Penders after the win, which moved the Blues to 13 points and fourth place in the Premier League.

“Mike has personality. He’s brave and we have full trust with him. He did well when he came on,” said Alonso.

“He played in the cup games and whenever he’s needed. Like the other players, whenever they are needed they can perform.

“It’s all about the squad – that all the players feel important and can have their moment whenever they are needed, and that’s very positive.”

Penders had already featured in Chelsea’s cup matches before being called upon at Everton, where he came on for Martinez with 15 minutes of the game remaining.

Alonso said the goalkeeper had shown the qualities required to step into the side, while stressing that every member of the squad needed to be ready when called upon.

Martinez’s injury leaves Penders as the leading candidate to start during the Argentine’s expected absence, beginning with the forthcoming Premier League fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United.

Chelsea will also face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup while Martinez is recovering from the operation.