Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Emiliano Martinez is doing better following successful surgery to repair a fractured jaw. The 34-year-old goalkeeper sustained the injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton last Saturday after a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to claim a free-kick from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. However, the latest update from Alonso suggests the goalkeeper could be back much earlier.
Speaking at Cobham ahead of this Saturday’s Premier League derby against Tottenham, Alonso noted that the club still needs to wait before determining a firm return date, though the player is recovering well.
While initial reports suggested a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, the manager’s recent assessment has raised hopes for an earlier comeback. Regardless, Martinez is sidelined for the upcoming Tottenham match, the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool, and the Premier League fixture against Manchester United. The Spanish coach revealed that Martinez is set to be unavailable for a few weeks.
Martinez, who signed a three-year contract upon his £7.5 million arrival from Aston Villa on August 30, has been an integral part of the Chelsea setup. He immediately established himself as the starting goalkeeper, appearing in the 4-3 win over Brighton before the team experienced a fluctuating run of form. Since his arrival, Chelsea has recorded losses to Arsenal and Brentford, a draw against Hull City, and consecutive victories over Bournemouth and Everton. Drew 2-2 at home with Hull City and were beaten 3-0 at Brentford before back-to-back wins over Bournemouth (5-1) and Everton (2-0), chelsea lost 2-1 at Arsenal.
Currently, Alonso’s squad sits fourth in the table with 13 points from seven matches, having tallied 17 goals while conceding 13. Notably, the recent clean sheet against Everton marked Chelsea’s first in the Premier League in nine months, concluding a winless defensive streak spanning 23 matches. Martinez has proven his value with 25 league saves this season, placing him joint-third in the division.
Following the collision, which caused a lengthy delay, Martinez was stretchered off and transported to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured jaw and concussion. In his absence, 21-year-old Mike Penders stepped in to finish the match at Goodison Park, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in Chelsea’s Premier League history. Penders is expected to retain his position for the match against Tottenham. From his hospital bed, Martinez wrote on social media. Penders, 21, became the Blues’ youngest Premier League goalkeeper when he came on at Everton as Martinez’s replacement.
