LIVERPOOL, October 17, 2026 — Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was taken to hospital after a frightening head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Argentina World Cup winner required around 10 minutes of medical treatment before being carried off on a stretcher.
Emi Martinez is reportedly being taken to hospital after clashing heads with Jarrad Branthwaite. There was a nine-minute delay while Martinez was treated on the pitch and moved onto a stretcher. Branthwaite was able to continue after being assessed. https://t.co/EUMlHgJlOt
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 17, 2026
Latest Update — October 18, 2026: Emiliano Martínez Confirms Successful Surgery
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has confirmed that he underwent successful surgery following his frightening head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite on Saturday.
The Argentina international shared a hospital photo on Sunday, thanking supporters and confirming that his operation went well. He said he expects to be back playing in a few weeks.
Martínez suffered a concussion, while reports from Argentina indicated that he also sustained a jaw injury requiring surgery.
Recovery update: Martínez is expected to miss upcoming Chelsea matches, including the October 24 clash with Tottenham. However, an official return date has not been confirmed.
Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders could deputise during his recovery.
Source: Associated Press.
The incident overshadowed Chelsea’s 2-0 victory, raising immediate concerns about Martínez’s condition. Manager Xabi Alonso later confirmed that the goalkeeper was conscious when he left the stadium and was undergoing precautionary hospital tests.
Emiliano Martínez Injury: Latest Hospital Update
Martínez was transported to hospital for further assessment following the collision. Alonso confirmed after the match that the goalkeeper had regained consciousness.
Reports suggested Martínez briefly lost consciousness after the impact, although Chelsea had not released a detailed medical diagnosis.
As of October 17, no confirmed concussion diagnosis, hospital discharge or recovery timetable had been announced.
The goalkeeper’s availability for upcoming matches will depend on further medical evaluations.
Head Collision With Jarrad Branthwaite Stops Play
The collision occurred around the 66th minute when Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a free kick into Chelsea’s penalty area.
Martínez rushed forward to punch the ball clear as Branthwaite attempted to reach it with his head. The two players collided heavily and fell to the ground.
Medical teams immediately entered the pitch, with Martínez requiring extensive treatment while teammates watched anxiously.
Play was suspended for approximately 10 minutes before the goalkeeper was carefully placed on a stretcher and taken down the tunnel.
Emotional Scenes as Martínez Receives Oxygen and Neck Support
Medical personnel reportedly administered oxygen and fitted Martínez with a protective neck brace before removing him from the field.
Television footage showed the Argentine moving his arms and holding his hands together while lying on the stretcher.
Some social media accounts described Martínez as crying and praying, although those descriptions have not been independently verified.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford approached the scene, while Martínez reportedly gave Branthwaite a thumbs-up when the defender checked on him.
Branthwaite Passes Concussion Checks
Branthwaite also received medical attention following the collision but was able to return to his feet.
The Everton defender underwent concussion checks and was cleared to continue playing.
Martínez required further examination, highlighting why head injuries must be assessed individually.
Being conscious after a collision does not automatically rule out concussion, and symptoms may emerge later.
Mike Penders Replaces Martínez on Premier League Debut
Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders replaced Martínez in the 73rd minute, making his Premier League debut at 21.
Penders entered with Chelsea leading 1-0 and helped maintain the advantage during the closing stages.
He could become an important option for Alonso if Martínez is unavailable for upcoming fixtures.
Pedro Neto Scores Twice as Chelsea Beat Everton 2-0
Pedro Neto scored both goals as Chelsea secured an important away victory.
The Portuguese winger opened the scoring just 44 seconds after halftime following a delivery from Jorrel Hato.
Neto struck again in the 90th minute, sealing Chelsea’s 2-0 win.
The result lifted Chelsea into fourth place and delivered their first league clean sheet since January.
Everton suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season under David Moyes. The club has also faced significant developments surrounding Everton’s ownership and the Friedkin Group.
Chelsea Await Medical Results Before Tottenham Match
Chelsea are scheduled to face Tottenham on October 24, but Martínez’s availability remains uncertain.
His return will depend on medical clearance and any required head-injury recovery procedures.
According to The Associated Press, Martínez was moving his arms while being carried off, and Branthwaite continued after concussion checks.
The incident comes during a Premier League campaign also attracting attention over the separate Manchester City financial charges case.
The latest encouraging development is that Martínez was conscious when he left the stadium. Chelsea have not yet confirmed when the goalkeeper will be available to play again.
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