Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Provides Update on Emi Martinez After Sickening Injury Against Everton
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that goalkeeper Emi Martinez was conscious when he was taken to hospital following a frightening injury during Saturday’s Premier League encounter against Everton.
The Argentina international, who helped his country win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, suffered the injury after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Chelsea eventually secured a comfortable 2-0 victory, with Portuguese winger Pedro Neto scoring twice to seal all three points for the Blues.
Martinez received medical attention on the pitch for approximately 10 minutes before being carried off on a stretcher. He was subsequently replaced by 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut.
Branthwaite also underwent medical checks following the collision but was able to continue playing.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, Alonso provided an update on Martinez’s condition, confirming that the goalkeeper had remained conscious when he left the stadium.
“As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious. Right now, he is in hospital undergoing precautionary tests. Let’s see. That’s all I know so far,” Alonso explained.
The incident prompted a show of sportsmanship from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who made his way across the pitch to check on his fellow goalkeeper.
Martinez also received applause from supporters inside the stadium as he was taken off the pitch, reflecting the concern surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, matchwinner Neto dedicated Chelsea’s victory to the injured Argentine goalkeeper after his impressive two-goal performance.
Speaking after the game, the Portuguese international expressed his sympathy for Martinez and wished him a speedy recovery.
“We are really pleased. Shame for Emi Martinez, but we wish him all the best. This win is for him,” Neto said.
The severity of the collision also caught the attention of TNT Sports co-commentator Owen Hargreaves, who described the incident as particularly dangerous because of the force involved.
Reflecting on the moment Martinez and Branthwaite collided, the former Manchester United midfielder compared the impact to a collision in American football.
“That was almost like an NFL collision because they were so committed and so vulnerable,” Hargreaves said.
He added: “A clash of heads and there’s no protection at all, no helmets. I just hope he’s OK.”
Although Chelsea left Merseyside with an important victory, Martinez’s injury became one of the most concerning moments of the afternoon.
Supporters will now be hoping that the goalkeeper’s precautionary hospital examinations bring positive news about his condition.