Brief

Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez hospitalized after head clash with Everton defender

The Argentine keeper was stretchered off after a 10‑minute treatment and replaced by Mike Penders.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:40:25 GMT

Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez was rushed to hospital after a head collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during the Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 17 October 2026.

What happened

Mid‑first half, Martinez moved off his line to collect a cross into the Everton box. Branthwaite jumped for the ball and the two players collided heads. Both fell to the ground, prompting immediate medical attention. The incident caused a roughly ten‑minute delay while paramedics attended to the players.

Martinez received oxygen on the pitch, remained on his back for several minutes, and was eventually lifted onto a stretcher. He was taken directly to hospital for precautionary tests. Branthwaite suffered a cut to his nose and lip and underwent a concussion assessment but was cleared to continue.

Mike Penders replaced Martinez in the 73rd minute, making his Premier League debut as Chelsea led 1‑0.

What the reports add

Daily Mail reported that Xabi Alonso told TNT Sports Martinez left the stadium conscious and was in hospital for tests. The outlet also noted that TNT Sports cut away from close‑up replays of the clash.

The Independent added that TNT Sports chose not to show a close‑up replay, and that Martinez appeared to be conscious, moving his arms while being stretchered down the tunnel.

What was said

"As far as I know, he left the stadium conscious," Xabi Alonso said to TNT Sports, according to Daily Mail.

How it came about

Earlier this month Felo News reported on Chelsea’s injury list, noting that several players were expected to return in October (see Chelsea injury update: Palmer, Caicedo and Joao Pedro face October returns). Martinez’s injury adds to the club’s growing concerns ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Key facts

Emi Martinez collided heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during a Premier League match (dailymail.co.uk)
Martinez was taken to hospital for precautionary tests after the collision (independent.co.uk)
Mike Penders replaced Martinez in the 73rd minute (dailymail.co.uk)