Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez is set to miss several weeks after undergoing an operation on a broken jaw, head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed before today’s Premier League home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Argentina international was hurt in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton after colliding with defender Jarrad Branthwaite. He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
“He is doing better and he has had the operation,” Alonso said at his pre-match press conference. “We have to wait a little longer, but it will be a few weeks. Hopefully it is fewer rather than more.”
Mike Penders is likely to take Martinez’s place against Spurs. Alonso said the goalkeeper was prepared for the opportunity after impressing in training and in cup appearances.
“He is ready,” Alonso said. “He has trained well and featured in a couple of cup matches, where he demonstrated a good standard. When he came on against Everton, he showed his personality and his qualities in the few minutes he had.”
