FRANCE:
Lille coach Bruno Genesio said he had received “reassuring news” on Angel Gomes after the midfielder was taken to hospital Saturday following a clash of heads in a Ligue 1 match that knocked him unconscious.
The former Manchester United player was left motionless lying on his back after a collision with Reims midfielder Amadou Kone, who was sent off as a result of the challenge.
Players from both sides immediately called for the medical staff as team-mates placed the stricken Gomes in the recovery position and formed a circle around him.
After receiving lengthy treatment, the ex-England Under-21 international was strapped to a stretcher and carried off the pitch, to applause from the Stade Auguste-Delaune.
“The latest news is rather reassuring, but it’s better to be careful,” Lille coach Bruno Genesio said after his team’s 2-0 victory.
“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 and criticised Kone for his involvement.
“There are things we shouldn’t see on a pitch. There are fouls you can excuse. This one for me is not one,” he said.
The match eventually restarted in the 45th minute after a 30-minute delay.
Bafode Diakite scored Lille’s opener during the 34 minutes added to the end of the first half and Jonathan David netted a late second for the visitors.
Lille president Olivier Letang said the club would wait for the full hospital test results before giving any timeframe for Gomes’ return to action.