Emiliano Martinez suffered a head injury during Chelsea's 2-0 win over Everton and was rushed to hospital after a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea's clash with Tottenham on Saturday, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said Martinez is improving after surgery but is expected to need a few weeks out.
Injury update
Alonso confirmed afterwards that Martinez was conscious.
Alonso said: "Martinez's condition is improving. He has undergone surgery, and he feels better day by day, but we still have to wait."
Alonso said: "He will need a few weeks. We hope the period will be shorter than we expect, but we have to wait. The positive thing is that he feels better. He must listen to the opinion of the doctors and surgeons who oversaw his condition, but considering that the injury was serious, his condition is good."
The report says Martinez posted an update from his hospital bed on Instagram saying he expected to be back within a few weeks.
Penders update
Mike Penders is 21 years old and spent last season on loan at Strasbourg.
Penders made his Premier League debut as a substitute during the Everton match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Alonso said: "He is ready. He trains well, and he played two matches in the cups during which he showed that he possesses a good level. And when he played against Everton, he showed his character and his potential, which is why we have a group of players ready to deal with such circumstances."
Comparison with Courtois
Alonso said: "There are many similarities, and not only at the level of nationality, but also in physical build, the ability to use both feet, and excellence in aerial balls."
Alonso said: "I also spoke with Thibaut during the World Cup, and I asked him about Mike."
Alonso added: "He himself said he sees similarities between them. We need to help and support him, but he is the goalkeeper we rely on in the present and the future."