Chelsea Goalkeeper Emi Martinez Hospitalized After Head Injury

Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez was taken to the hospital after sustaining a head injury during the team's match against Everton. The incident occurred when Martinez collided heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to claim a free-kick.

The collision caused a significant delay, estimated to be around 10 minutes, as medical staff attended to both players. Martinez was placed on a stretcher and removed from the pitch, reportedly conscious, while Branthwaite also received treatment for a cut to his nose and lip but was able to continue playing.

Martinez, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in the summer for £7.5 million, was replaced by Mike Penders in the 73rd minute. The 34-year-old Argentinian goalkeeper was observed receiving oxygen on the field before being stretchered off.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed after the match that Martinez had left the stadium conscious and was undergoing precautionary tests at the hospital. "As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious," Alonso told TNT Sports. "He's in the hospital doing precautionary tests. This is what I know so far."

Martinez has yet to keep a clean sheet for Chelsea in a full 90 minutes this season, with the team's defense often leaving him exposed. This injury is a setback for Chelsea, who signed him to address their goalkeeping issues after Robert Sanchez conceded three goals on opening weekend and was subsequently loaned out.

Penders, a 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper, made his Premier League debut for Chelsea following Martinez's injury.

Pedro Neto scored in the 90th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Chelsea. The win moved Xabi Alonso's side to fourth in the league table, while Everton dropped to sixth, though their positions could change as other weekend matches are yet to be played. Chelsea has shown recent improvement, with this win following a 5-1 thrashing of Bournemouth after a preceding 3-0 defeat to Brentford.