Lille midfielder Angel Gomes has been taken to hospital after suffering a serious head injury during their Ligue 1 match against Reims.
The London-born former Manchester United player collided with Reims defender Amadou Kone in the 11th minute of the game on Saturday. Kone was subsequently sent off for the challenge.
The game was delayed for 34 minutes as Gomes, 23, received treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital. Lille later reported that he was conscious and had even asked about the score.
Following the incident, players from both Lille and Reims immediately called for medical assistance. Teammates placed Gomes in the recovery position and formed a circle around him.
Supporters from both teams at the Stade Auguste-Delaune sang Gomes’ name as he was attended to. He received treatment before being strapped to a stretcher and carried off the pitch.
Lille coach Bruno Genesio said after the game: “The latest news is rather reassuring, but it’s better to be careful.
“Angel asked if he was going to play [next] Saturday. It’s a good sign if he has a sense of humour. The match was secondary for me tonight.
“Angel was conscious when he was carried out. I know he spoke, he asked about the result, he showed he’s in good spirits, but I think we have to wait a bit.”
Genesio admitted to feeling “very, very scared” after the incident.
The match resumed in the 45th minute, with 34 minutes added to the end of the first half.
Lille won 2-0 thanks to goals from Bafode Diakite and Jonathan David.
Lille president Olivier Letang stated, “Angel is doing quite well but we’ll wait to see how he gets through the night with his additional tests.”
Manchester United sent a message of support on social media, writing, “Sending love and strength to Angel Gomes who has been taken to hospital following a collision while playing for Lille. We’re thinking of you, Angel.”
Gomes joined United in 2006 at the age of six and progressed through their academy ranks to the first team. He made his Premier League debut in May 2017 against Crystal Palace and went on to make another nine appearances in all competitions.
Gomes joined Lille in August 2020 after being released by United. He earned 18 caps for England Under-21s between 2021 and 2023.
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