Cesar Azpilicueta injury: Chelsea man stretchered off vs Southampton | OneFootball

Cesar Azpilicueta suffered a serious injury in Chelsea's match against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The Spaniard was named in the starting lineup for the match at Stamford Bridge. It was his first start for the club since January 12.

Southampton took the on the stroke of half-time courtesy of James Ward-Prowse's brilliant free-kick.

There were worrying scenes with roughly 20 minutes remaining when Azpilicueta went down with a serious injury.

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Sékou Mara went for an overhead kick and caught the 33-year-old in the face.

There was immediate concern for Azpilicueta. Players from both sides rushed to his aid as soon as he hit the floor.

Azpilicueta was on the ground for 10 minutes before being stretchered off. He was in a neck brace and had an oxygen mask on.

He received a standing ovation from all four corners of the ground as he was carried off the pitch, per the Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella.

He was conscious and clapped the fans.

We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.

What did Graham Potter say about Cesar Azpilicueta's injury?

Graham Potter gave an update about Azpilicueta after the match.

He said, per football.london: “He is in hospital, so he’s in the best place. He is conscious and speaking to his wife, so that is good. We’re obviously very concerned, especially when it first happened. Hopefully, he is in the best place and we keep monitoring.”

When asked whether he was unconscious at the time, Potter replied: "I think he was so we have to take all the precautions we need to take and make sure he’s ok. It was worrying, a horrible incident.”

Chelsea suffer another defeat vs Southampton

Chelsea were unable to find an equaliser when play resumed.

They have still only tasted victory just once in 2023.

They remain in 10th in the Premier League. Their chances of securing Champions League football for next season have gotten even slimmer.

Southampton, meanwhile, remain bottom of the Premier League despite their victory.

Their chances of survival have improved, though. They are now just two points away from safety.

Southampton are next in action when they play Leeds United in a crucial bottom of the table clash on Saturday February 25, while Chelsea travel to Tottenham the following day.