Chelsea injury blow: Martinez expects return to action in weeks
Collision leads to surgery
Martinez and Everton defender Branthwaite collided as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sent a free kick into the box. Branthwaite got back to his feet after treatment, while Martinez needed help from paramedics.
The 34-year-old was strapped to a stretcher and taken to hospital with a concussion. Argentine media reported that he had also suffered a jaw injury. Martinez later underwent surgery.
Martinez gives recovery update
In a social media post on Sunday, Martinez said the operation had gone well and thanked people for their messages. He added that he expected to be back in a few weeks.
Martinez also said Chelsea’s win and clean sheet were the most important things. The 2-0 result at Everton gave the team its first Premier League clean sheet since January.
Penders steps in for Chelsea
Penders is likely to cover until Martinez is cleared to return to training. Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday, then visit Liverpool for a League Cup fourth-round match on October 28 and host Manchester United three days later.
Key points
- Martinez says he expects to return a few weeks after surgery.
- He was stretchered off during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton and taken to hospital with a concussion.
- Mike Penders made his Premier League debut and helped Chelsea record their first league clean sheet since January.
- Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures include Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United.