Chelsea keeper Martinez ‘back in a few weeks’ after jaw fracture

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to return to action in a few weeks following surgery to treat a fractured jaw sustained during a match against Everton, the Argentine international confirmed on social media on Sunday. The 34-year-old required eight minutes of treatment on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League win at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.

Martinez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the second half. The club's manager, Xabi Alonso, reported that Martinez had also suffered a concussion. In a post on social media, Martinez shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed alongside a message expressing gratitude for the support received and emphasizing the importance of the team's victory and clean sheet. Mike Penders, a 21-year-old midfielder, will fill in for Martinez during his absence.