Cesar Azpilicueta is given OXYGEN in worrying scenes at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea defender is taken off on stretcher after being caught in the head by an attempted overhead kick from Sekou Mara- but Spaniard WAS conscious when he left pitch
- Southampton beat Chelsea 1-0 in their Premier League clash on Saturday
- The game was overshadowed by a serious injury to Cesar Azpilicueta
- He left the pitch in a stretcher but was conscious as he was taken off
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta was forced to leave Chelsea’s clash with Southampton in a stretcher after sustaining a head injury that led to an eight minute stoppage.
Both medical teams were rushed on to the pitch with the players clearly distressed about the defender, who received oxygen as he left the pitch.
He was conscious as he was taken off the pitch and was able to clap fans as the entire stadium gave him a standing ovation.
The injury came after Southampton’s Sekou Mara accidentally caught the Chelsea stalwart, who appeared to be trying to head the ball away, with an attempted overhead kick.
It was clearly unintentional from the Saints man but he was still booked for the dangerously high foot.
Cesar Azpilicueta was forced off with a head injury in Chelsea’s clash with Southampton
It came after Southampton’s Sekou Mara accidentally kicked him in the face while attempting an overhead kick
The Chelsea stalwart was attended by the medical teams from both sides but left the pitch conscious
Chelsea went on to lose the game 1-0 after James Ward-Prowse scored a trademark free kick earlier in the game.
Graham Potter’s side improved after half time with the introduction of Raheem Sterling, but could not find a way back into the game amid an excellent performance from manager-less Southampton.
The Blues have now won just two of their last 14 games across all competitions and remain tenth in the league despite their heavy January spending.
Southampton’s captain and goalscorer paid tribute to Azpilicueta after the game, as he told the BBC: ‘The game was obviously overshadowed a bit by the injury to Cesar and we wish our best to him. We hope he is OK.’
Source: Read Full Article
