Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has broken his silence after being transferred to hospital following the sickening injury he suffered against Southampton.
The Spaniard was taken off on a stretcher and received oxygen after sustaining an inadvertent kick to the head by Southampton's Sekou Mara. Despite the worrying scenes, he still gave a promising sign to supporters at Stamford Bridge as he applauded the crowd as he was taken off the pitch.
Graham Potter confirmed that the 33-year-old had immediately been transferred to hospital for checks. Over 24 hours after the incident itself, he remains there but has reassured supporters by thanking the medical staff for their prompt attention, as well as fans for their messages of support.
Taking to Twitter alongside an image of himself smiling, the defender wrote: "Hi everyone! Thank you all for your love and messages of support! My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday’s incident.
"From the @ChelseaFC medical team to teammates and opponents, to St Mary’s and Cleveland Hospital and all staff members and doctors: a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now, time to recover and I will see you soon on the pitch!"
It is suggested that Azpilicueta has managed to avoid any serious damage. As per the Evening Standard, scans have revealed that he has not sustained any broken bones and will now go through the standard concussion procedures before a potential return to action.
As per The FA's rules around head injuries and concussion, Azpilicueta would not be allowed to return to action for at least six days following an injury should he have suffered from a concussion. That would put a serious question mark over any participation against London rivals Tottenham next weekend.
His next opportunity to play would come against Leeds United in a fortnight's time. Following his injury against Southampton, Saints' captain and eventual matchwinner James Ward-Prowse gave his words of support for his opposite number.
Speaking after the full-time whistle at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder said: “I think more importantly we want to send out best wishes to Cesar Azpilicueta. I think in that moment football becomes irrelevant and it's all about his health.
“Swkou, unfortunately, went for the sublime and unfortunately caught him in a bad way. Football is irrelevant in that moment and we hope he has a speedy recovery."
Azpilicueta has made 26 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this season despite having been met with plenty of competition following the Blues' summer splurge under new owner Todd Boehly. The 33-year-old has a year-and-half remaining on his current Chelsea contract.
