Former Chelsea and current AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was urgently transported to the hospital on Sunday after sustaining a serious head and facial injury during a Serie A match. The 30-year-old English footballer collided with Parma goalkeeper Edoardo while challenging for the ball, leading to a bloody scene that required immediate medical attention.
Details of the Incident
The injury occurred early in the game, just minutes after kick-off, during AC Milan's 1-0 defeat to Parma. Loftus-Cheek was left lying on the pitch following the collision, prompting teammates to rush to his aid. Medical staff quickly placed him in a neck brace and onto a stretcher, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Medical Diagnosis and Recovery
According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, Loftus-Cheek suffered a jawline fracture and a broken tooth as a result of the impact. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for several months, forcing him into a prolonged period of recovery. This setback comes at a critical time for both the player and his team.
Impact on AC Milan
The loss of Loftus-Cheek adds to AC Milan's challenges, as they also suffered a defeat in the match, with Mariano Troilo scoring the winning goal for Parma in the 80th minute. This result leaves Milan trailing their city rivals, Inter Milan, by 10 points at the top of the Serie A standings. Despite holding second place, the team faces an uphill battle in the title race without one of their key midfielders.
The incident underscores the physical risks inherent in professional football and has sparked concerns among fans and analysts about player safety and the long-term implications for Loftus-Cheek's career.
