Emiliano Martínez has confirmed he expects to be "back in a few weeks" after undergoing successful surgery on a fractured jaw sustained during Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton.
The Argentina goalkeeper collided heads with Jarrad Branthwaite as both players challenged for a cross. He received more than eight minutes of treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and taken away by ambulance.
Martínez later posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed on Instagram. According to football.london, he wrote: "Thanks to everyone for the messages, the operation went well. The most important thing is that we won and with a clean sheet. We'll be back in a few weeks."
Teammates responded to the post with messages of support. Moises Caicedo wrote "my brother", while Morgan Rogers called Martínez "my goalkeeper".
Chelsea issued a statement on Sunday confirming the extent of the injury. It read: "Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has undergone successful surgery on a fractured jaw. Martínez was injured following a collision midway through the second half of our 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday. Martínez was taken to hospital for further assessment, which confirmed a fractured jaw that required surgery. Everyone at Chelsea wishes Emi a speedy recovery and will support him throughout."
Before the injury, Martínez had helped Chelsea secure their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months. Speaking shortly after the final whistle, manager Xabi Alonso said Martínez had been taken to hospital for "precautionary tests".
With Martínez sidelined, 21-year-old Mike Penders is set to deputise in goal for Chelsea, whose next fixture is at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
