Emiliano Martínez faces surgery after jaw fracture, Argentina friendlies in doubt
Chelsea keeper Emiliano Martínez sustains serious jaw injury
During Chelsea's recent victory over Everton at Goodison Park, Argentine international goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez suffered a bone fracture to his jaw after a clash with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The collision occurred when Martínez left his line to contest a cross, resulting in him being stretchered off in the second half and taken to hospital for precautionary examinations.
Club doctor reports confirmed a fracture that will require surgical intervention. While further tests have ruled out more severe complications, the exact duration of his absence remains uncertain. Chelsea’s interim goalkeeper, Mike Penders, stepped in and helped the team preserve a 2‑0 win, with Pedro Neto netting both goals.
Impact on Argentina’s upcoming fixtures
The injury raises significant concerns for the Argentine national side, which has scheduled two friendly matches in November: a game against Uruguay in Buenos Aires on 13 November and a clash with Costa Rica in Córdoba on 17 November. Although the Argentine Football Association has not issued an official statement regarding Martínez’s availability, sources close to the squad suggest that a rushed return is unlikely, even with protective gear.
Potential replacements
Should Martínez be ruled out, Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni appears ready to call upon his current depth chart. The most probable candidates are:
- Juan Musso – the Atletico Madrid custodian who has been preferred over the younger options in recent friendlies.
- Gerónimo Rulli – the Marseille goalkeeper who also sits ahead of the emerging talent.
- Santiago Beltrán – the 21‑year‑old River Plate prospect, who was included in the squad as a developmental project but did not feature on the bench in the last match against Bolivia.
Club reaction
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that Martínez left the stadium conscious and was undergoing precautionary examinations after the incident. The club has expressed optimism about the goalkeeper’s long‑term health but acknowledges that the surgery will sideline him for an unspecified period.
Argentina fans will be closely monitoring updates from both the club and the national team as the situation develops, hoping for a swift and full recovery for one of South America’s premier shot‑stoppers.
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