Chelsea and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone surgery for a fractured jaw but remains hopeful of returning to action in the coming weeks after suffering the injury against Everton in a Premier League encounter yesterday.
The goalkeeper took to social media shortly after the operation to thank supporters for their messages and provide an update on his recovery.
“Thanks to everyone for the messages, the operation went well. The most important thing is that we won,” Martinez wrote, before adding: “Will be back in a few weeks.”
However, the Argentina international is expected to face around six weeks of recovery, which would rule him out of Chelsea’s immediate fixtures and Argentina’s final FIFA international break of the year. Argentina are scheduled to face Uruguay and Costa Rica in mid-November.
Martinez suffered the injury around 20 minutes into the second half of the match against Everton when he took a heavy blow from centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. He remained on the ground for nearly 10 minutes before being stretchered off and taken to a clinic for medical examinations.
While scans showed no major concerns involving his neck, back or skull, further tests revealed a fractured jaw that required surgery.
The successful operation brought relief to Argentina, with Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia also sending a message of support to the goalkeeper.
“My dear Dibu, I wish you a speedy recovery and all the strength in the world. A huge hug from afar. I have no doubt that you will come back stronger than ever. I’m with you through thick and thin. I love you, my friend,” Tapia wrote on social media.
Martinez’s recovery timeline means he faces a spell on the sidelines, despite his optimism about returning to action soon.
