Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez faces several weeks out after jaw operation

Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez will miss several weeks after undergoing surgery on a fractured jaw, manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed.

The Argentina international sustained the injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton last weekend. Martinez was involved in a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and was taken to hospital for treatment.

“He’s been better; he had the surgery. We still need to wait. (He will be out for) a few weeks. Hopefully less than more,” Alonso said on Friday.

Martinez’s injury is expected to give Mike Penders the opportunity to start in goal when Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Alonso said he was confident Penders could step in, citing the young goalkeeper’s performances in cup competitions and his brief spell on the pitch against Everton.

“He is ready,” the Chelsea manager said. “He has been training well and played a couple of cup games where he showed he has a good level.”

Penders replaced Martinez against Everton and made a positive impression on Alonso during his short appearance.

“When he came on against Everton, he showed in a few minutes his personality and qualities,” Alonso added.

The Chelsea manager also gave an update on the fitness of Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria.

Gusto has recovered and is available for selection, while Chavarria has increased his training but has not done enough to be considered for the Tottenham match.

“Malo is fine. Pep is training a little bit more but he is not going to make it,” Alonso said.