Martinez expects to return in 'a few weeks' after undergoing surgery

Emiliano Martinez says he will be “back in a few weeks” after undergoing surgery following a clash of heads during Chelsea’s 2-0 win at Everton.

Martinez collided with Jarrad Branthwaite as the pair challenged for a cross and after more than eight minutes of treatment, the Argentina international was carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.

The Argentina goalkeeper later posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Instagram, writing: “Thank you for all the messages, the operation went well.”

He added: “We’ll be back in a few weeks.”

Martinez had earlier played his part in Chelsea’s 2-0 win that also earned his side their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months.

Speaking immediately after the match, Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said that Martinez had been taken to hospital for “precautionary tests”.

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Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is carried off the pitch on a stretcher after an injury during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. (is associated with: «Martinez expects to return in ‘a few weeks’ after undergoing surgery») Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa