Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez returned to stationary bike training just four days after undergoing surgery for a fractured jaw sustained during Chelsea’s victory over Everton, according to La 100. The Argentina national team goalkeeper shared a video on Instagram showing his initial physical maintenance work, marking a positive first step in a rehabilitation process that will still require several weeks of careful monitoring by club medical staff.

The Collision at Hill Dickinson Stadium and Subsequent Surgery

The injury occurred during Chelsea’s 2-0 win when Martínez rushed out to clear a cross and collided with Everton player Jarrad Branthwaite, as reported by TyC  Sports. The impact left the 34-year-old goalkeeper grounded for several minutes before medical personnel carried him off the pitch on a stretcher at the venue in Liverpool. Subsequent medical evaluations cleared him of serious head, neck, and spinal injuries, though scans confirmed a mandibular fracture requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Following the successful operation at a local clinic, Martínez posted a message from his hospital room to reassure supporters. “Thanks to everyone for the messages, the operation went well. The most important thing is that we won and kept a clean sheet. We’ll be back in a few weeks,” Martínez wrote.

Rehabilitation Limits and the Timeline for a Return to Competition

Despite the encouraging gym footage, club officials emphasize that light stationary cycling does not signal an imminent return to competitive fixtures. Mandibular fractures demand a prolonged healing period, and the unique physical hazards of the goalkeeping position—frequent aerial challenges, impacts, and collisions—require medical staff to ensure complete bone consolidation before clearing him for match action. Martínez remains ruled out for Argentina’s upcoming November FIFA international window, and neither Chelsea nor the national team has announced a definitive date for his return to the pitch.

Contenders to Replace Martínez in the Argentina Squad

With Martínez sidelined for the upcoming fixtures against Uruguay and Costa Rica, Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff evaluates several alternatives to guard the Albiceleste goal. Gerónimo Rulli emerges as the natural successor, having previously replaced Martínez during the final minutes of a 7-0 rout of Burkina Faso at El Monumental. Rulli also started a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland ahead of the previous World Cup, though his lack of regular minutes at Manchester City following a summer transfer complicates his match sharpness. Other candidates under consideration include Juan Musso, Santiago Beltrán, and Walter Benítez.

Precedent From Previous Finger Fractures and Recovery Protocols

This rehabilitation protocol mirrors procedures Martínez followed earlier in his career. During a previous recovery from a fractured right ring finger sustained ahead of the Europa League final, the goalkeeper underwent a structured intermediate rehabilitation program utilizing custom protective splints designed by the coaching staff before resuming full competitive duties.