Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was taken to hospital for precautionary medical tests following a frightening collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during their Premier League encounter on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool when Martinez came off his line to deal with a cross into the penalty area and collided with Branthwaite.
According to the Associated Press, medical personnel from both teams immediately rushed to attend to the two players as concerns grew over their condition.
While Branthwaite was able to continue playing after undergoing a concussion assessment, Martinez required approximately 10 minutes of treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off.
The Chelsea goalkeeper was subsequently taken to hospital for further examinations as a precautionary measure, with the club awaiting the outcome of his medical assessment.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso provided an update on Martinez’s condition after the match during an interview with TNT Sports.
“As far as I know he left the stadium conscious … right now he is at the hospital doing precautionary tests … so let’s see … but this is what I know so far,” Alonso said, according to The Guardian.
Martinez’s injury forced Chelsea to introduce Mike Penders, who made his Premier League debut after replacing the Argentine goalkeeper.
The incident also attracted attention from the stands, with The Guardian’s live coverage reporting that some Everton supporters booed as Martinez was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
Despite the worrying moment, Chelsea secured all three points with a 2-0 victory over Everton. Pedro Neto scored in the 46th and 90th minutes to seal the win for the visitors.
The result lifted Chelsea above Everton in the Premier League standings at the time of the report, while attention turned to Martinez’s condition following the collision.
Further information about the goalkeeper’s medical assessment was awaited.
