Martinez Hospitalised After Head Collision During Chelsea Match
Goalkeeper stretchered off, replaced by debutant Penders, as Branthwaite cleared to continue after on-field incident.
Sarah Connor
Emi Martinez was stretchered off and taken to hospital following a collision during a Chelsea vs. Everton match.
The incident unfolded after a head-on collision with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, both players contesting a cross. Martinez remained on the ground, medical staff administering oxygen.
The collision caused a nine-minute delay in the match; other accounts cite a 10-minute stoppage for medical treatment. Branthwaite continued playing after concussion testing cleared him.
Mike Penders replaced Martinez as Chelsea's goalkeeper, making his Premier League debut. Chelsea led 1-0 at the time of the injury.
Xabi Alonso confirmed Martinez suffered a concussion during the match. The incident occurred near the 20th anniversary of Petr Cech's severe head injury at Reading.
Chelsea's back three for the match included Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, and Levi Colwill, with Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson partnering in midfield. The team ultimately secured their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months, ending a run of 23 matches without one.
Fans booed Martinez as medical staff stretchered him off the pitch.
Related Keywords
Football