Chelsea manager Graham Potter has confirmed that César Azpilicueta is in hospital after sustaining a horrifying head injury in his team’s 1-0 loss to Southampton on Saturday (February 18). The Blues captain was inadvertently kicked to the head by Saints striker Sekou Maka as the Frenchman attempted an overhead kick.
The match was brought to a dramatic halt in the 73rd minute, with Azpilicueta lying in his box after the incident. The Spaniard received treatment from medical staff before being stretchered off ten minutes later. He was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah, but the fans cheered as he lay on a stretcher and was carried off the field.
Potter noted that Azpilicueta was conscious and that he spoke to his wife. He told reporters after the match (via football.london):
“He’s in the hospital. So he’s in the best place. He’s conscious and I think he was talking to his wife, so that’s good. Obviously very worried, especially when it first happened. Hopefully he’s in the best place and we are monitoring.”
Azpilicueta appeared to have passed out after the collision in what Potter considered a horrific incident:
“I think he was (unconscious). So we need to take all the precautions we need to take now to make sure he’s okay. Worrying. Horrible incident.”
Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered their eighth league defeat of the season when James Ward-Prowse’s 45+1 minute free kick proved decisive. They remain tenth in the league, behind fourth-placed Newcastle United by ten points.
Chelsea boss Potter on boos from Stamford Bridge following Southampton defeat and Azpilicueta backhand
A chorus of boos rang out across Stamford Bridge as referee David Coote blew his final whistle. The mood in the west London club is ominous, with the pressure on Potter.
The English coach responded to the moans and groans from the crowd after the defeat. He admitted that he understood why the fans were booing (via the Mirror):
“After a 1-0 home defeat, any criticism you get is understandable. We’ve had a tough period and we’re integrating young players into the Premier League. When results don’t go the way you want, it’s tough.”
added:
“I’m not arrogant enough to say it’s not worth voicing your opinion. My job is to help the team and get through a lean period.”
Potter succeeded Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea boss in September last year. He has overseen nine wins, nine losses and seven draws in 25 games. The English tactician received a six-year contract. His team will take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (February 26) in the Premier League.
We will have to see how long Azpilicueta remains out of the team. However, Wesley Fofana returned from a long-term injury in the loss to the Saints to boost the injury-plagued Blues side.
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