Alonso confirms Martinez hospitalised after collision in Chelsea's win at Everton

Xabi Alonso confirmed that Emi Martinez was taken to hospital for precautionary tests after being stretchered off during Chelsea’s win at Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. The Chelsea manager said his goalkeeper was conscious when he left the ground but was unable to provide further details as he awaited a full medical report.

Martinez was involved in a heavy collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite midway through the second half. Branthwaite received treatment but was able to continue, while Martinez required prolonged attention from medical staff before being assisted off the pitch to applause from both sets of supporters. The stoppage resulted in 11 minutes of added time.

“As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious,” Alonso said. “Now he is in the hospital doing precautionary tests. Let’s see, but this is what I know so far.”

Under FA concussion protocols, Martinez faces a minimum two-week absence. That rules him out of Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Tottenham and leaves him doubtful for the Carabao Cup tie at Anfield against Liverpool and the league match against Manchester United on 31 October. Substitute goalkeeper Mike Penders came on and kept a clean sheet for the final 25 minutes.

The result gave Chelsea their first clean sheet in nine months, with Martinez having earlier made a key save to deny Jack Grealish in the first half before his injury.

Matchwinner Neto, who scored twice to secure the three points, paid tribute to his teammate after the final whistle. “We are really pleased. Shame for Emi but we wish you all the best — this win is for him,” he said. “We needed a clean sheet to be honest. I think we did a very good game. Emi deserved this, Mike did as well.”