Emiliano Martinez rejected surgery to play at FIFA World Cup 2026, reveals finger will never be normal again

Emiliano Martinez’s decision to avoid surgery on an injured finger has affected both his international plans and his club career. The Argentine rejected an operation with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in mind and has revealed that the finger will never return to normal.

The injury became a major factor during the transfer window. After six years at Aston Villa, Martinez attracted a strong offer from Italian club Juventus. However, the proposed move fell through after medical assessments raised concerns about his hand.

Medical concerns changed the transfer picture

Juventus’ decision brought the consequences of Martinez’s injury into focus. Although the player’s choice was linked to his ambition to be available for the 2026 World Cup, the condition affected how his next club assessed the transfer.

With the Juventus move no longer progressing, Martinez secured a different outcome late in the window. Days before it closed, the Argentine completed a move to Chelsea.

A club and country decision

Martinez’s situation illustrates the competing demands placed on an established international player. His decision to reject surgery preserved his focus on the upcoming World Cup, but the hand issue also influenced his options at club level.

The injury’s long-term effect on his finger and the failed Juventus medical assessments remain central to the story of his transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea.