Chelsea Goalkeeper Emi Martinez Hospitalized After Head Injury
Argentine international received extensive treatment on the field before being stretchered off and booed by home fans.
Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez was taken to the hospital after sustaining a serious head injury during the team's match against Everton. The incident occurred when Martinez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to clear a free-kick. The collision caused a significant delay of approximately 10 minutes.
Paramedics attended to both players. Branthwaite suffered a cut to his nose and lip but was able to continue playing. Martinez, however, received oxygen on the pitch before being placed on a stretcher.
Martinez, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in the summer for £7.5 million, was conscious as he was removed from the field, with his arms moving. He was replaced in the 73rd minute by 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut. The injury marks a setback for Chelsea, who have struggled defensively and are yet to record a clean sheet this season.
Fans at the Hill Dickinson Stadium reportedly booed Martinez as he was stretchered off. TNT Sports opted not to show replays of the incident.