Chelsea Boss Xabi Alonso Confirms Emi Martinez Injury Blow

Chelsea will be without goalkeeper Emi Martinez for several weeks after the Argentina international had surgery on a fractured jaw, manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed.

Alonso gave the update at his Friday press conference, ahead of Saturday's home Premier League game against Tottenham. The injury happened in last weekend's 2-0 win at Everton, when Martinez clashed with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. He went off in clear discomfort and was taken straight to hospital.

"He's been better; he had the surgery," Alonso said. "We still need to wait. He will be out for a few weeks. Hopefully less than more."

That leaves Alonso without his first-choice keeper for a busy stretch, and Mike Penders is expected to step in. The backup came on for Martinez against Everton and Alonso says he is ready for the job.

"He is ready," Alonso said. "He has been training well and played a couple of cup games where he showed he has a good level, and when he came on against Everton, he showed in a few minutes his personality and qualities."

Chelsea will have to adjust quickly, as the London derby with Tottenham is a big one. The club's medical staff will keep a close eye on Martinez after the weekend, and fans will be hoping he is back soon.