Cesar Azpilicueta suffered a horror blow to the face when Sekou Mara tried an overhead kick in vastly distressing scenes.
The Sun studies the Chelsea defender, 33, was struck by the stray boot in his personal penalty space throughout his aspect’s Premier League defeat to Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
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He instantly fell to the bottom and was stricken as teammates and opposition gamers desperately referred to as medical workers on to hurry on and help.
Replays weren’t proven on the Premier League dwell feed because the therapy continued.
Club docs from each groups initially tended to the membership captain however St John’s Ambulance paramedics took over in disturbing scenes in West London.
Players on either side seemed visibly shocked after the freak unintentional incident.
The match was stopped for ten minutes earlier than he was positioned on the stretcher with a neck brace and oxygen masks.
He was given a rapturous applause and had his identify chanted on his approach in direction of the ambulance emergency exit of the stadium.
And the Spanish veteran was positively acutely aware as he gave a wave to the followers.
Speaking after the match, supervisor Graham Potter revealed that at one stage Azpilicueta slipped out of consciousness.
But he had good news on his situation, revealing the defender was in a position to speak to his spouse.
He mentioned: “He’s in hospital, the best place. He’s conscious and he’s speaking to his wife.”
The fourth official added 12 minutes of damage time on the finish of the sport following the 74th-minute horror second, for which Mara acquired a yellow card.
Supporters at residence to took to Twitter to ship their greatest needs to Azpilicueta, who has the nickname of Dave.
One mentioned: “I hope Azpilicueta is okay. That looked horrible, it really did. Real class shown by both the team’s medical staffs. Just hoping he is okay.”
Another wrote: “Awful injury to our Dave. I hope to goodness it’s not as serious as it looks.”
And a 3rd added: “Scary scenes at Stamford Bridge – prayers for Azpilicueta.”
Chelsea additionally wrote a “stay strong skipper” message.
The Blues misplaced 1-0 to bottom-side Saints because of James Ward-Prowse’s excellent free-kick simply earlier than halftime.
This article initially appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.
Originally printed as Chelsea defender floored by KO kick in EPL loss, taken to hospital
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au