Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez has given an update on his condition after being stretchered off in tears during Argentina’s draw with Colombia.
Emi Martinez, who was shipped off by Arsenal to Aston Villa last summer, was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League throughout the course of the 2020/21 campaign, keeping 15 clean sheets in total, bettered only by Ederson and Edouard Mendy.
As a result, he’s beginning to establish himself as the number one with the Argentine national side and was given the nod to start against Colombia in a World Cup qualifier yesterday night – but was unfortunately unable to get through the contest unscathed.
After a nasty collision with compatriot Yerry Mina, Martinez laid motionless, before being stretchered off the field of play in tears. Naturally, the worst was feared.
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However, all is well with Martinez, the player has himself confirmed. As quoted by The Sun, the Aston Villa stopper confirmed that his withdrawal was merely precautionary, and there is not thought to be any lasting damage.
“I’m better. It was a strong hit but the doctors did their job. Obviously I wanted to continue playing, the anger of being taken out and I found out that they drew at the end.”
“It’s a bitter taste for me. They took me out because I lost consciousness a little. I hit the back of my neck hard but the crying and the anger was because it was my second match with the Argentina national team.”
“I didn’t want to be substituted but the doctors did their job.”
What will be even more frustrating for Martinez, and Argentina as a collective, is the manner in which they conceded a 94th equaliser. The goalkeeper, Agustin Marchesin, made a mess of his attempt to keep the ball out the back of the net.
Pictures courtesy of beIN Sports
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