Emiliano Martínez has undergone emergency surgery for a head injury sustained during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday, with the goalkeeper assuring fans he would be "back in a few weeks."

The incident occurred in the 67th minute at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, when Martínez, 34, collided with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as the goalkeeper rushed off his line to punch clear an Everton free kick. Both players required treatment on the pitch, though Branthwaite recovered relatively quickly.

Martínez received prolonged attention from Chelsea's medical staff and paramedics before being stretchered off the field while breathing through oxygen. He was withdrawn in the 75th minute, with 21-year-old Mike Penders coming on as substitute goalkeeper. Officials added 11 minutes of injury time at the end of the match due to the extended stoppage.

Coach and keeper speak out

Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso addressed the media after the match, stating that Martínez had been conscious when departing the stadium and had been taken to hospital for "precautionary tests." Alonso urged patience, saying: "For now, we need to wait."

The coach also suggested the injury may have been more serious than a standard concussion: "It was a concussion, but more than that. I saw just one clip, but we'll have to wait."

Late on Saturday night, Martínez posted a photograph from his hospital bed to reassure supporters. "Thank you all for the messages, the operation went well," he wrote. "The most important thing is that we won and with a bow at 0. We'll be back in a few weeks."

Chelsea's victory keeps pressure on their Premier League rivals, though the cost of the win — the fitness of their first-choice goalkeeper — looms large in the coming weeks.