Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will be sidelined for a minimum of 40 days following surgery for a fractured jaw. His absence will impact both the club and Argentina's upcoming fixtures.

Chelsea's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set for an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing successful surgery for a fractured jaw. The injury occurred during Chelsea's recent 2-0 victory over Everton, where Martinez collided with defender Jarrad Branthwaite, leading to a head injury that required immediate medical attention.

What happened

During the match, Martinez was involved in a serious head clash with Branthwaite while contesting a cross. After receiving treatment for over eight minutes on the field, he was taken off in an ambulance and later diagnosed with a fractured jaw that necessitated surgery. Following the procedure, Martinez expressed optimism about his recovery, stating on social media that he would be back in a few weeks.

Why it matters

Martinez's absence is significant for Chelsea as he has been a key player in their defensive line. Reports suggest he will miss at least eight matches, including crucial fixtures in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup. This opens the door for Mike Penders, who made his debut as a substitute during the match against Everton, to take over as the starting goalkeeper during Martinez's recovery period.