Chelsea have confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez suffered a fractured jaw and concussion during Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Argentine was stretchered off in the second half after a clash of heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Both players received treatment, but Martinez came off worse. Medics attended to him on the pitch for around ten minutes before he was taken to a local hospital.
Surgery confirmed
Speaking at full-time, Chelsea manager Xabi 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."
Martinez has since confirmed he underwent surgery and is targeting a return to action "in a few weeks". The club have now issued an official statement confirming he did not suffer any serious brain damage, but did suffer a jaw injury and concussion.
Club statement
The statement read: "Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone successful surgery on a fractured jaw.
"Martinez was injured following a collision midway through the second half of our 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
"Martinez 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."
Impact on the squad
Martinez had put in an impressive performance before being withdrawn, making two key saves as Chelsea kept a league clean sheet for the first time since January. Pedro Neto, who scored both goals on the day, later dedicated the win to him.
It remains to be seen how long Martinez will be sidelined, with club captain Reece James also facing a lengthy spell out after undergoing knee surgery. Jamie Gittens and third-choice striker Emmanuel Emegha are also on the treatment table for the Blues.
