Cesar Azpilicueta was taken to hospital after he suffered a sickening head injury during Chelsea’s defeat to Southampton.<br /><br />The 33-year-old is believed to have been unconscious after Southampton substitute Sekou Mara attempted to volley the ball but only booted Azpilicueta in the face. It was a horrible collision and the thud could be heard around Stamford Bridge.<br /><br />Azpilicueta needed oxygen as he was treated by medics from both teams for nearly 10 minutes on the pitch.<br /><br />The defender was eventually taken off on a stretcher, wearing a neckbrace, but Chelsea manager Graham Potter revealed the 33-year-old was awake and speaking to loved ones while undergoing treatment.<br /><br />‘He’s in hospital so he’s in the best place. He’s conscious and I think he was speaking to his wife – so that’s good,’ Potter confirmed afterward.<br /><br />‘We were concerned – especially when it first happened but hopefully, he’s in the best place and we’ll keep monitoring him.’<br /><br />When Azpilicueta was taken from the field, he was lucid enough to clap at supporters as they applauded him.<br /><br />But teammates and opponents were left distressed by the injury, with Kai Havertz crouching down near Azpilicueta, hands over his face.<br /><br />Potter was asked afterward if the defender had been unconscious.<br /><br />‘I think he was. So we have to take all the precautions and make sure he’s ok but it was worrying, it was a horrible incident.’<br /><br />Southampton interim boss Ruben Selles added: ‘I have not watched it back. Of course, I wish him a speedy recovery, I spoke to Willy Caballero to keep me posted on his state, and hopefully, he will be back to show what a good footballer and person he is.’<br /><br />Azpilicueta’s nasty injury caused a lengthy second-half delay at Stamford Bridge and the officials added on 12 minutes at the end of the game. But Chelsea was unable to make it count as they fell to a second defeat of the week – following a Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund – that piles more pressure on Potter.
