Chelsea Goalkeeper Martinez Hospitalized After Head Injury in Everton Match

Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez sustained a serious head injury after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during a Premier League match on Saturday, October 17, 2026, receiving approximately 10 minutes of medical treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off[1][3][6][11]. The incident, which occurred at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, led to Martinez's transport to a local hospital for precautionary tests[1][3][23]. This event underscores ongoing concerns about player safety and the protocols surrounding head injuries in professional football, especially given the lengthy on-field treatment and subsequent hospitalization of a key player[1][2][4].

What the records show

During the second half of the Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Everton, Chelsea's Argentine international goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez clashed heads with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite[1][8][9]. The collision happened as both players contested an aerial cross[8][37]. The incident was described as a "sickening collision" and "nasty-looking" by multiple reports[3][8][13]. Following the impact, Martinez received medical attention on the pitch for about 10 minutes[1][11]. During this time, he was given oxygen and fitted with a neck brace[6]. He was then stretchered off the field[4][6][7]. Martinez was taken to a local hospital in Liverpool for precautionary tests[1]. Despite the injury to their goalkeeper, Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory against Everton, with Pedro Neto scoring both goals in the second half[1][16][19]. The match took place at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool[3][23].

The timeline

The Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea began on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool[3][23]. The head collision involving Martinez and Branthwaite occurred in the second half of the game[1][8]. Medical personnel immediately attended to Martinez, providing on-field treatment that lasted approximately 10 minutes[1][11]. He was administered oxygen and immobilized with a neck brace before being carefully removed from the pitch on a stretcher[6]. Martinez was subsequently transported to a hospital for further evaluation[1]. Chelsea's Pedro Neto scored the team's two goals in the second half, securing the win[16][19].

What changed and for whom

The serious head injury to Emiliano Martinez caused a significant concern for Chelsea and the broader football community[16][35]. The incident overshadowed Chelsea's 2-0 victory, shifting focus from the match result to the goalkeeper's well-being[35]. For Martinez, the immediate change was his removal from the game and transport to a hospital, indicating the severity of the precautionary measures[1]. The event draws attention to the physical risks inherent in professional football and the importance of prompt medical response to head trauma[1].

What the subject has said publicly

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso provided an update on Martinez's condition after the match, confirming the goalkeeper's hospital transport[2][5]. Alonso stated he was "awaiting news of Emiliano Martinez's injury"[5].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific diagnosis of Emiliano Martinez's head injury. We also could not confirm the exact timeline for his potential return to play or whether the injury will result in any long-term effects. The precise nature of the "precautionary tests" Martinez underwent at the hospital also remains unconfirmed.