Martinez recovering after jaw surgery as Fernandez visits him in hospital
After a horrific collision on the field and surgery in hospital, fans were naturally anxious. But relief has returned with news that Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez, being treated for a broken jawbone, is improving. Now his former Argentina teammate Federico Fernandez has visited him in hospital, and the former defender also sent an emotional message on seeing his friend.
Martinez had to be carried off on a stretcher after colliding with Jarrad Branthwaite during a Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton. His jawbone was broken, requiring emergency surgery.
Doctors, however, have ruled out fears of serious injury to his head, neck and back. That is the biggest relief for fans — a jaw injury can heal, but damage to the head or spine could have made the situation far more complicated.
Martinez himself reassured fans on social media from the hospital, and he also welcomed the guests who came to see him.
On Sunday, 37-year-old Federico Fernandez visited Martinez at a clinic in England. He was a member of Argentina's runners-up squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and the former defender also played in the Premier League for a long time.
A product of the Estudiantes de La Plata youth academy, Fernandez has also played for clubs such as Napoli, Getafe, Swansea City, Newcastle United, Elche and Al-Duhail. He once shared a dressing room with Martinez as his teammate in the national team.
Sharing a photo taken with Martinez at the hospital on social media, Fernandez wrote: 'My friend, I am very happy to know that everything went well and you are on the road to recovery.'
In the photo Martinez is not seen smiling, but he is seen giving a thumbs-up in a positive gesture — a sign, after the surgery, that he is on the way to getting better.
Earlier, Martinez himself had posted a photo from the hospital. Alongside thanking supporters for their love and good wishes, the Argentine goalkeeper also expressed hope of returning to the field soon. On Instagram he wrote: 'We will be back within a few weeks.'
Despite his wish for a quick return, Martinez will not play for Argentina in the upcoming international break. In the November FIFA window, Lionel Scaloni's team will face Uruguay and Costa Rica, and Martinez is unlikely to be available for those matches.
So for now, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper must remain a spectator for both club and country. He will return to training once the doctors give the clearance; fans are now waiting for that news.
