Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has undergone successful surgery on a fractured jaw, with the Argentine international expecting to return to action within a few weeks. The injury occurred during Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium. According to Punch, Martinez collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite while attempting to clear a free-kick in the second half. He was treated on the pitch for nearly ten minutes before being stretchered off, with young goalkeeper Mike Penders replacing him to preserve the clean sheet.
Capital FM Kenya reported that Martinez, wearing a hospital gown, posted on social media on Sunday that the operation went well and that the team’s victory and clean sheet were the most important outcomes. Manager Xabi Alonso described the 34-year-old as concussed and expressed full trust in Penders, who made his Premier League debut in the match. Penders, 21, signed from Belgian club Genk for £17m in 2024 and is expected to feature in Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United, as well as a Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool.
In another Premier League match on the same day, Arsenal secured a sixth league win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Capital FM Kenya noted that the Gunners struggled to break down the home side’s defence, recording their first shot on target only in the second half. Substitute Noni Madueke, who replaced Eberechi Eze at the break, scored the decisive goal when his shot deflected off Daniel Munoz. The result keeps Arsenal in second place in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Manchester City.
Nottingham Forest’s home form remains a concern, as they have yet to score a goal in four home league games this season. The hosts recorded 14 shots against Arsenal, but only two went on target, highlighting their difficulty in converting opportunities. For Arsenal, the win underscores the importance of their squad depth, with substitutes having scored three goals in the league this season, second only to Ipswich Town.