Emi Martinez was stretchered off on Saturday after fracturing his jaw, and Steven Gerrard has slammed Everton fans for their treatment of the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Martinez and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite collided during a Toffees free-kick, as Everton pushed for an equaliser. It left the World Cup winner on the deck for 10 minutes before being stretchered off.

He was taken to Aintree Hospital immediately, and tests confirmed he had fractured his jaw. It required an operation, which has been successful. It is reported that Martinez will be sidelined for as long as 40 days.

Gerrard criticises Everton fans as Martinez stretchered off to boos

As Martinez was stretchered off, large parts of the Hill Dickinson Stadium booed the Argentine off the pitch. Obviously, Martinez was part of the Argentina side that knocked England out of the World Cup.

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Martinez’s on-pitch antics make him loved by the supporters he is playing for and hated by opponents. Gerrard alludes to that, but when discussing his injury, he criticised Everton supporters for booing him.

“These things happen; I wish him a speedy recovery. It wasn’t nice seeing him getting booed off. He’s one of those keepers that is a bit love-hate; let’s hope he recovers well,” Gerrard said on The Overlap Daily.

The games Emi Martinez will now miss: eight in total

If reports are true and Martinez’s operation is due to keep him sidelined for 40 days, Martinez will miss eight games in total for club and country. It starts with rivals Tottenham on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool in the Carabao Cup next Wednesday, and then Manchester United at home. Three incredibly tough games that will pile the pressure on Mike Penders, even if Martinez’s record against Spurs is poor.

Sunderland too, before the break, and then Leeds and Nottingham Forest after it. Argentina will face Uruguay and Costa Rica during the break, and Martinez will likely remain at Cobham during the break.