Former Sunderland defender Paddy Almond has been diagnosed with a bleed on the brain after suffering a suspected concussion in Darlington's FA Trophy fourth round defeat at Southend United. The 20-year-old was substituted just before the hour-mark at Roots Hall and was immediately taken to a local hospital to be assessed by doctors but has now been moved to a specialist hospital in London.
The ex-Sunderland academy man has made a remarkable comeback in recent months after being involved in a road traffic accident in June 2022 that left him with serious head injuries. He returned to football when he made an appearance for Northern Premier League East club Shildon before Christmas and recently joined Darlington on a dual-registration basis.
The Quakers released a statement in the aftermath of the Saturday's 2-1 defeat at the National League club updating supporters on the situation surrounding the defender's injury. The statement read: "Darlington defender Paddy Almond came off in the second half of our game at Southend today, and was rushed to hospital with suspected concussion.
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"We understand that Paddy will have a brain scan tonight as a precaution, and our physio, Danny O'Connor, is going to stay with him. Our thanks go to Danny.
"Everybody at Darlington would like to wish Paddy a speedy recovery."
The scans revealed Almond had suffered a bleed on the brain and was being transferred to a specialist London hospital for further treatment. The Quakers released a further update confirming the defender was set to undergo an operation to relieve pressure on his brain on Sunday morning and was able to hold conversations with club physio Danny O'Connor on Saturday night.
Sunderland showed their support via social media as they tweeted: 'We're all with you, Paddy' and the Black Cats' academy followed by adding: 'The thoughts of everyone at Sunderland AFC and here at the Academy of Light are with you and your family, Paddy.' Darlington team-mate Tommy Taylor also sent a message, tweeting: 'Please everyone have Paddy in your thoughts and prayers tonight.
'You've got this mate, stay strong.'
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