Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez expects to return to action “in a few weeks” after undergoing successful surgery for a broken jaw sustained during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton.
The 34-year-old Argentina international suffered the injury in a second-half collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Martinez received treatment for eight minutes before being stretchered off and taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery.
In a social media post on Sunday, the goalkeeper thanked fans for their messages and expressed relief at the outcome of the operation.
His absence is expected to provide an opportunity for Mike Penders, who replaced him against Everton and made his Premier League debut.
The 21-year-old is likely to start Chelsea’s next three matches, which include league encounters against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, as well as a Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool
