Chelsea have provided a positive update on Cesar Azpilicueta's condition after he suffered a concussion injury in the defeat against Southampton. A club statement read: "Following a concussion injury sustained during Saturday’s game against Southampton, César Azpilicueta has been discharged from hospital and is recovering well at Cobham.
"The club’s medical team are closely monitoring César’s condition, adhering to the important concussion protocols in place to ensure his safety. César observed training today, before he starts working towards returning to the pitch."
Azpilicueta thanked his fans for all of their support after speaking out for the first time since the incident on Saturday afternoon. The Blues captain tweeted: "Hi everyone! Thank you all for your love and messages of support! My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday’s incident…
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"From the Chelsea medical team, to teammates and opponents, to St Mary’s and Cleveland Hospital and all staff members and doctors: a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now, time to recover and I will see you soon on the pitch!"
The 33-year-old was down on the floor for some time with fans falling silent as the concern grew over the club legend. The Spanish defender did manage to clap the supporters, who were chanting his name, when he was being taken off on a stretcher, showing that he was conscious as he was taken to Cleveland Hospital from Stamford Bridge.
After the game, Chelsea manager Graham Potter confirmed the Blues captain went to hospital but was conscious and speaking to his wife. "It was a bad moment for us," Potter explained.
"He's conscious in hospital and he's been speaking to his wife. We're monitoring him and making sure he's okay.
"I think he was unconscious at one point, so it was worrying for everyone. It was accidental but still it was a kick in the face. You can see how bad it was."
It could be some time before Azpilicueta returns to action for Chelsea given the seriousness of the injury. Club legend and Azpilicueta's former teammate John Terry took to social media to deliver a message to the Spaniard, which read: "Delighted to hear our captain is all well *blue heart emoji*."
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