Chelsea supervisor Graham Potter has confirmed that Cesar Azpilicueta is in hospital after struggling a horrific head damage in his aspect’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday (February 18). The Blues captain was inadvertently kicked within the head by Saints ahead Sekou Maka because the Frenchman tried an overhead kick.
The sport was dropped at a dramatic halt within the 73rd minute, with Azpilicueta specified by his field after the incident. The Spaniard acquired therapy from medical employees earlier than being stretchered off ten minutes later. He was changed by Trevoh Chalobah however clapped the followers whereas laying on a stretcher and being introduced off the pitch.
Potter famous that Azpilicueta was acutely aware and that he spoke to his spouse. He instructed reporters after the sport (through soccer.london):
“He is in hospital. So he is in the perfect place. He’s acutely aware, and I believe he was chatting with his spouse, in order that’s good. Clearly actually involved, particularly when it first occurred. Hopefully, he’s in the perfect place, and we’re monitoring.”
Azpilicueta appeared to have handed out following the collision in what Potter deemed a horrible incident:
“I believe he was (unconscious). So we have to take all of the precautions we have to take now to ensure he is okay. Worrying. A horrible incident.”
Chelsea, in the meantime, suffered their eighth league defeat of the season as James Ward-Prowse’s 45+1st minute free-kick proved decisive. They continue to be tenth within the league, trailing fourth-placed Newcastle United by ten factors.
Chelsea boss Potter on Stamford Bridge boos following Southampton defeat and Azpilicueta setback
A refrain of boos echoed round Stamford Bridge when referee David Coote blew his ultimate whistle. The temper across the west London membership is an ominous one, with the strain mounting on Potter.
The English supervisor responded to the gang’s moans and groans after the loss. He admitted that he understood why the followers booed (through the Mirror):
“After a 1-0 defeat at residence, any criticism you get is comprehensible. We have had a tricky interval and are integrating younger gamers into the Premier League. When outcomes do not go your method, it is powerful.”
He added:
“I am not boastful sufficient to say that their opinion is not price articulating. My job is to assist the staff and work via a lean interval.”
Potter succeeded Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea boss in September final yr. He has overseen 9 wins, 9 defeats and 7 attracts in 25 video games. The English tactician was handed a six-year contract. His aspect subsequent face Tottenham Hotspur away on Sunday (February 26) within the Premier League.
It stays to be seen how lengthy Azpilicueta stays out of the staff. Nonetheless, Wesley Fofana did return from a long-term damage within the loss to the Saints to spice up the Blues’ injury-riddled aspect.
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