Martinez hospitalized after collision in Everton match

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was taken to a hospital after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during a Premier League match.

Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the seventh round of the 2026-27 season, with Pedro Neto scoring twice in the second half.

Martinez was injured in the 66th minute when he and Branthwaite collided while challenging for a cross. Both players went down, and medical staff entered the field.

Play was stopped for more than 10 minutes before Martinez was taken off on a stretcher.

According to British newspaper the Mirror, Martinez underwent examinations of his head, back and neck after the match. Initial tests reportedly found no major abnormalities.

He was also reported to have suffered a jaw injury and concussion symptoms. Medical staff will continue to monitor his condition, and surgery may be required for the jaw injury.

Local reports said he could need about two weeks to recover.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said after the match that the club was still waiting for further test results.

"It was a concussion, and beyond that we don‘t yet know what other problems there may be," Alonso said. "I’ve only seen the collision once on video. We have to wait a little longer.

"What we know at the moment is that Martinez left the stadium conscious and is undergoing precautionary tests at the hospital."

Alonso added: "For now, we have to wait. We hope it isn‘t a serious injury, but at this stage all we can do is wait for the test results."

The English Football Association applies a return-to-play protocol for players diagnosed with concussion. They are monitored initially before progressing through a six-stage process and can return only if no further symptoms develop.