Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta awake in hospital after suffering a kick to the head against Southampton

20 February, 2023

It has been a disappointing few months for Chelsea fans. Despite their much-hyped transfer shenanigans where the Blues spent close to 350 million euros during the recent winter transfer market following a massive summer spending spree in order to rejuvenate their squad, the results are far from forthcoming.

Chelsea endured another horrid afternoon in the Premier League when they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday. James Ward Prowse’s stunning free-kick just before half-time proved to be the only difference between the two sides as the Blues struggled to create enough meaningful chances all game.

The match also had a horrific moment as Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta suffered a kick to the head while going for the ball during the middle of the match. He ended up hurt while going for the duel with Southampton’s Sekou Mara with the latter attempting an overhead kick in the 74th minute of the contest.

Azpilicueta immediately fell to the ground and medical assistance was required to the pitch on urgent notice. He was taken off on a stretcher wearing a neck brace and breathing from an oxygen mask after a 10-minute stoppage.

Recent updates from after the game suggest that Azpilicueta was awake in the hospital and had to stay overnight. Chelsea manager Graham Potter also mentioned that he expected the Spaniard to remain in hospital for at least 24 hours.

“Thankfully he’s conscious,” Potter said. “He’s in hospital. He spoke to his wife, I believe. So we’re just obviously monitoring and very concerned for him. . . . It was not a nice thing to see.”

Meanwhile, head coach Graham Potter has also come in the line of fire at Chelsea after a disappointing run of results. The English head coach has managed just two Premier League wins since the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup and being 10th in the league, they are in real danger of missing out on the Champions League spots at the end of the season.

Time is running out for Potter to make a change and Chelsea are now winless in their last four league matches. Despite this form, apparently owner Todd Boehly has no intention of sacking Potter and the manager continues to enjoy the backing of the board for now.

How long that support will last, however, is the real question.

Find more information about Football news and betting in Nextbet