Sportsupdated 2h ago2 min read
Chelsea’s Emiliano Martinez Taken To Hospital After Concussion From Everton Collision
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Martinez taken to hospital for precautionary tests after concussion from collision with Branthwaite. Chelsea won 2-0 at Everton, with the injury overshadowing the result.
Concussion tests after clash
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was taken to hospital for "precautionary tests" after suffering what manager Xabi Alonso said was a concussion during Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday. Martinez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the 68th minute while attempting to claim a cross from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's free-kick, and the match saw an eight-minute stoppage. Mike Penders replaced Martinez after the incident and made his Premier League debut for Chelsea, with Pedro Neto scoring two goals for the visitors.
Alonso said Martinez "left the stadium conscious and is now in hospital undergoing precautionary tests," and Chelsea faced doubts over whether Martinez would be fit for their next three matches. Chelsea also recorded their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months, with the win coming at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Alonso, Neto and Everton
Alonso told TNT Sports that "It was a concussion, but beyond that I do not know," and he said he had only seen one clip of the incident. Pedro Neto scored in the 46th and 90th minutes, and Neto told TNT Sports, "This win is for him." Chelsea's win came after Everton managed just six shots, their fewest in a Premier League game since recording five against Arsenal last December.
Everton boss David Moyes said his side were on the wrong end of debatable refereeing decisions, including Harrison Armstrong's first-half challenge on Josh Acheampong and Morgan Rogers' tackle on James Garner. Moyes said, "We have got referees who we want to be the best in Europe because they let things go but I thought it looked a half-decent tackle (by Armstrong)."
Next matches and protocols
Chelsea's next fixtures became a focus after Alonso said there were now doubts over whether Martinez would be fit for Chelsea's next three matches, with Tottenham and Manchester United in the Premier League and a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool in between.
The BBC said Premier League protocols typically require a minimum 14-day return-to-play process if tests confirm Martinez suffered a concussion.
Alonso added that he was "not obsessed" with keeping a clean sheet, but Chelsea were keen to address their record after conceding a league-high 13 goals before kick-off.
The BBC said Penders became Chelsea's youngest goalkeeper to play in the Premier League at the age of 21, and it noted he was signed from Genk for £17m in 2024 before being loaned back.
Alonso said, "Mike has personality. He's brave and we have full trust with him," as Chelsea prepared to rely on Penders if Martinez could not return.