Xabi Alonso: Emi Martinez hospital visit precautionary after Everton collision
Alonso: Martinez hospital visit precautionary after Everton clash

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Emi Martinez was conscious when he left the Hill Dickinson Stadium and his visit to hospital is "precautionary".

The Spaniard was unable to give any more information, with the Blues boss being quizzed shortly after his side's win at Everton as he awaits a full report on their goalkeeper.

Collision and Stretcher Exit

Martinez needed to be stretchered off midway through the second half after a major collision with Jarrad Branthwaite. The Everton defender, after receiving treatment, was able to jump back to his feet and continued.

The Argentine, though, was still being tended to by medical staff. The stretcher was brought out, with Martinez being assisted off as the Hill Dickinson Stadium applauded him. The pause would result in 11 minutes of added time.

Alonso's Update

Alonso said: "As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious. Now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests. Let's see, but this is what I know so far."

Chelsea would secure their first clean sheet in nine months on Merseyside. Martinez needed to be alert to deny Jack Grealish in the first half, whilst the Blues' shut-out was completed by Mike Prenders, who came on and spent the final 25 minutes on the pitch.

Win Dedicated to Martinez

Matchwinner Neto said after his two goals secured the three points: "We are really pleased. Shame for Emi [Martinez] but we wish you all the best. This win is for him."

He also added: "We need a clean sheet to be honest. I think we did a very good game. Emi deserved this, Mike [Penders] did as well."

The ex-Aston Villa No.1 will now be sidelined for at least two weeks as per the concussion protocols. It means he will miss the clash with Tottenham next week and is a doubt for the Carabao Cup tie at Anfield against Liverpool as well as the game against Manchester United on October 31.

In recent years, the Football Association (FA) have implemented strict head injury procedures, and Martinez will now have to go through the process.