Surgery confirmed after tests at hospital
Chelsea confirmed that Emiliano Dibu Martínez underwent successful surgery for a jaw fracture caused by the heavy impact he suffered during the 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton. In an official statement, the London club said medical studies had determined that a surgical procedure was necessary, and it expressed its support for the Argentine goalkeeper throughout his recovery. The club added that everyone at Chelsea wishes Emi a swift recovery and will stand by him for the whole process.[S1][S2]
The club explained that Martínez was taken to hospital for a more thorough evaluation, which confirmed a jaw fracture that required an operation. The injury occurred in the second half of Saturday's match, when the goalkeeper came out to punch clear a cross into the box and collided head-on with defender Jarrad Branthwaite. He stayed on the ground and received medical attention for several minutes before being taken off on a stretcher and transported to a hospital for tests.[S1][S2]
The collision and Chelsea's fourth win
According to the account of the incident, the clash happened around the 20th minute of the second half, after the home side took a free kick and sent a cross into the area. Martínez went up to clear the ball with his fists but ended up crashing into Branthwaite. Medical staff immobilised him and placed an oxygen mask on him before he was carried off. Although the scene caused concern, he was conscious and raised a thumb as he left the field.[S2]
Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso had said after the match that the player was conscious when he left the stadium. Alonso brought on Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who finished the game without conceding. Chelsea were leading 1-0 when the collision occurred and Pedro Neto sealed the result in the 90th minute. With that victory, the London side recorded their fourth win of the season and moved into fourth place in the Premier League table.[S1][S2]
Family message and an open recovery timeline
Amid concern over the health of the World Cup winner, his wife, Mandinha Martínez, posted a message on social media to reassure fans about his condition. She thanked people for their kind messages and for keeping an eye on Emi, said he is fine and that it is nothing serious, and predicted he will soon be back to his usual self, expressing her gratitude for the affection and support.[S1][S2]
Martínez himself also thanked the messages of affection he received and appeared optimistic about returning to the pitch. However, how long his recovery will take depends on how the injury evolves and on the instructions of the medical staff.[S1]
