Chelsea Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez Undergoes Surgery After Collision

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone successful minor surgery for a jaw injury sustained during the team's recent match against Everton. The Argentinian international is expected to be out of action for several weeks.

The injury occurred in the 67th minute of the Premier League match when Martinez collided with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to clear a set-piece. He was subsequently replaced by 21-year-old Mike Penders and taken to a local hospital. Martinez, 34, was reportedly conscious as he left the stadium.

Martinez later shared an update from his hospital bed, stating, "Thanks to everyone for the messages, the operation went well. The most important thing is that we won and with a bow at 0 (goals). We'll be back in a few weeks." His wife, Mandinha, also reassured followers that the injury is "nothing serious" and that he will "soon be back to normal."

With Martinez sidelined, Penders, who joined Chelsea this summer, will step in as the team's primary goalkeeper. The Belgian's promotion to the starting role comes earlier than anticipated, as manager Xabi Alonso had intended for him to gain more experience. Penders was initially competing with Robert Sanchez for the starting position, but Sanchez was loaned to Italian side Como after errors in Chelsea's season opener against Fulham.

Penders will be backed up by Teddy Sharman-Lowe. Chelsea faces a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, Manchester United, and Sunderland, before the November international break.