Cesar Azpilicueta provides update after worrying injury in Chelsea vs Southampton

Cesar Azpilicueta has thanked his fans for all of their support as he has spoken out for the first time since he was stretchered off in Chelsea’s defeat to Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The 33-year-old defender was motionless on the floor of the Stamford Bridge pitch after Southampton’s Sekou Mara caught him in the face when attempting an overhead kick. There was serious concern regarding Azpilicueta and the Spaniard has now thanked everyone for their ongoing support.

Azpilicueta 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…

“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!”

Azpilicueta was down on the floor for some time and Stamford Bridge was 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.

After the game, Chelsea head coach 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.”