Chelsea’s Martínez Has Jaw Surgery After Penders Makes League Debut

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has undergone surgery for a fractured jaw following a collision in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Everton, the club confirmed. Chelsea said the operation was successful but gave no recovery timetable.

Martínez was hurt midway through the second half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and taken to hospital, where further assessment established that he needed surgery. Mike Penders replaced him in the 70th minute for his Premier League debut.

At 21 years and 78 days, Penders became Chelsea’s youngest goalkeeper to play in the Premier League, according to the club’s account of his debut. He surpassed Lenny Pidgeley, who was 21 years and 90 days when he appeared against Charlton in May 2005.

The Belgian helped Chelsea complete the clean sheet after Pedro Neto scored both goals. Chelsea’s match report identifies Tottenham’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, as their next league fixture.

Chelsea are also managing Reece James’s recovery from knee surgery. The captain’s absence is a separate issue from the goalkeeper injury; neither update establishes a return date.