Emi Martinez stretchered off after Everton v Chelsea collision 2026

Key Points

• Chelsea football club’s goalie Emiliano “Emi” Martinez was carried off on a stretcher as Chelsea played against Everton in the English Premier League match on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
• The event occurred in the middle of the second half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool after Martinez came out to catch a cross ball from a free kick and collided with Everton player Jarrad Branthwaite.
• He got around 10 minutes of on-field care from medical personnel of both teams.
• According to the Associated Press, Martinez was being rushed to the hospital, as per TNT Sports.
• As per the report in the Evening Standard, Martinez was put in a neck brace and was given oxygen when he left the field.
• Branthwaite of Everton went through the test for concussion but was cleared to play.
• Mike Penders, a Belgian reserve goalkeeper for Chelsea made his Premier League debut when Martinez was substituted.
• Pedro Neto had scored in the beginning of the second half making it 1-0 for Chelsea.
• As per Football London, Martinez was conscious and moving when he was being carried off the field.

Liverpool Sports (Liverpool standard) October 17, 2026 — Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital after colliding with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Associated Press reported that Martinez came out to meet a cross into the area following a free kick and collided with Branthwaite midway through the second half. The collision led to an extended stoppage while medical staff from both teams treated the Argentina international on the pitch.

As reported by the Associated Press, Martinez received about 10 minutes of treatment before being carried off on a stretcher. British broadcaster TNT Sports reported that he was being taken to hospital.

The Evening Standard reported that Martinez had been fitted with a neck brace and was receiving oxygen as he left the pitch. The newspaper also stated that Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was expected to offer an update on the goalkeeper’s condition at full time.

Why was the match stopped for about 10 minutes?

The match was halted after Martinez and Branthwaite challenged for a cross delivered from a free kick. The Evening Standard reported that the cross came from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and that the two players suffered a “nasty coming together” as Martinez attempted to claim the ball.

The Independent reported that Martinez received oxygen on the pitch and was eventually carried off on a stretcher around 10 minutes after the collision. It also reported that TNT Sports chose not to show a close-up replay of the clash of heads.

The Mirror reported that both players received medical attention on the pitch, but only Martinez was stretchered off. It added that Martinez appeared awake and was moving as he was carried off at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Was Jarrad Branthwaite injured in the collision?

Branthwaite remained on the pitch after receiving medical attention. The Associated Press reported that the Everton defender continued to play after a concussion test, while Martinez had to leave the field because of an apparent head injury.

The Evening Standard reported that Branthwaite was back on his feet soon after the incident and was cleared by Everton’s medical staff to continue after concussion testing.

The Sun reported that Branthwaite had a small cut on his nose.

Who replaced Emi Martinez for Chelsea?

Chelsea brought on Belgian reserve goalkeeper Mike Penders after Martinez was unable to continue. The Associated Press reported that Penders replaced Martinez following the apparent head injury.

The Evening Standard reported that Penders’ introduction meant the young Belgian made his Premier League debut.

The Independent reported that Martinez was replaced in the 73rd minute, with Chelsea leading 1-0 at the time.

What was the score when Martinez was injured?

Chelsea were leading Everton 1-0 when Martinez was injured. The Associated Press reported that Chelsea held that lead at the time of the incident.

The Evening Standard reported that Pedro Neto had put Chelsea ahead less than a minute into the second half.

The Independent reported that Martinez had been busy during the first half, denying a Thierno Barry header and tipping a Jack Grealish strike over the crossbar before the injury occurred.

Was Emi Martinez conscious after the collision?

Reports from journalists at the ground indicated that Martinez was conscious as he left the pitch. Football London reported that Martinez was seen awake and moving as he was stretchered off the Hill Dickinson Stadium pitch.

The Independent similarly reported that Martinez was seen moving his arms as he was carried down the tunnel, describing it as a positive sign regarding his recovery.

The Metro reported that Martinez was conscious after being taken to hospital, although the severity of his injury had not been determined at the time of its report.

What have Chelsea and Everton said?

At the time of the initial reports, no detailed public medical update from Chelsea or Everton had been published in the sources reviewed. The Evening Standard reported that Alonso would provide an update on Martinez’s condition at full time.

The Associated Press report did not include an official club statement on the goalkeeper’s condition, and neither the AP nor the Evening Standard quoted Chelsea or Everton medical staff directly.

Background of the development

Martinez joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in the summer, and the Everton match was his sixth Premier League appearance for the club, according to the Evening Standard.

The incident occurred almost 10 years after Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech suffered a serious head injury at Reading in 2006. The Evening Standard noted that Cech wore a rugby-style scrum cap for the remainder of his career to protect the affected area.

Martinez is Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper and was part of the national side’s recent major-tournament successes. The Independent described him as a specialist in saving penalties, while noting that the severity of his injury remained unclear after he was taken to a local hospital.

Prediction: How could this affect Chelsea and fantasy football managers?

For Chelsea supporters, the immediate concern will be Martinez’s availability for upcoming Premier League and cup fixtures. If the club confirms a head injury or concussion protocol, Penders could be in line for further first-team opportunities, having already made his Premier League debut in this match.

For fantasy football managers, Martinez’s short-term availability is now uncertain pending an official Chelsea update. Managers holding the Argentine goalkeeper should monitor the club’s post-match medical update, while those considering Penders should wait for confirmation that he will start rather than relying on a single substitute appearance.

For Everton fans, Branthwaite’s clearance to continue after a concussion test will be the key immediate detail, though clubs often continue to assess players after matches when head impacts are involved.