Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez undergoes surgery following head injury

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez sustained a serious head injury during a Premier League match against Everton at the Hill Dickinson stadium on October 17, 2026. The 34-year-old Argentine collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the 66th minute while attempting to clear a ball from his penalty area. Medical staff spent ten minutes attending to the goalkeeper on the pitch before he was stabilized with a neck brace and transported to a local hospital on a stretcher.

Initial diagnostic tests, including a CT scan of the head and examinations of the spine and neck, yielded clear results. However, medical professionals identified a fracture of the lower jaw, for which Martinez underwent successful surgery. Following the procedure, Martinez confirmed his status via a hospital statement, expressing relief at Chelsea's 2-0 victory and promising a return to action. Medical estimates suggest he will be sidelined for approximately 40 days during his recovery period.