The clash between Chelsea and Everton (2-0), this Saturday in the Premier League, left its mark on the Blues. Victim of a violent head collision with defender Jarrad Branthwaite on a set piece, Emiliano Martínez remained on the ground for almost ten minutes before being evacuated on a stretcher and transported to hospital. If the first examinations ruled out brain and spinal injuries, the news since revealed by the press reports a jaw fracture. The Argentine goalkeeper has undergone surgery and is expected to be away from the field for at least 40 days.
This absence represents a hard blow for Chelsea, but also for the Argentine selection, which will have to do without its goalkeeper for several weeks. Coming into play after Martínez’s injury, Mike Penders has already taken over as interim coach against Everton, playing his first minutes in the Premier League. Logically, the former Strasbourg goalkeeper should now take his place in the Blues’ goals during the Argentine’s unavailability.
