Lille midfielder Angel Gomes was rushed to the hospital following a serious head injury sustained during a Ligue 1 clash against Reims.
The incident occurred in the 11th minute of the match when Gomes, a former Manchester United player, collided with Reims defender Amadou Kone.
The challenge resulted in a red card for Kone, who was sent off for his involvement in the incident.
The severity of the injury was immediately apparent, prompting players from both teams to urgently call for medical assistance.
Teammates of Gomes quickly placed him in the recovery position as a precaution, while others formed a protective circle around him, shielding him from the crowd and cameras as he received initial treatment on the pitch.
The atmosphere at Stade Auguste-Delaune was one of concern and solidarity. Supporters from both Lille and Reims united in singing Gomes’ name as medical staff worked to stabilise him.
The 23-year-old, who appeared to have lost consciousness initially, was eventually strapped to a stretcher and carried off the field after a lengthy delay.
Lille later provided an update on Gomes’ condition via their official X account, reassuring fans that the midfielder had regained consciousness and had been transferred to the hospital for further evaluation.
The match, which had been halted for an extended period to allow for Gomes’ treatment, resumed in the 45th minute with an additional 34 minutes added to the first half.
Angel Gomes is now carried off the stretchers. Not a good start to the season. Lot of injuries. pic.twitter.com/tfAjD22X6I
— . (@19LKI) August 17, 2024
Angel Gomes, born in London, began his football journey with Manchester United, joining the club’s academy in 2006 at the tender age of six.
He made his Premier League debut in May 2017 against Crystal Palace, becoming one of the youngest players to ever feature for United’s first team. Despite his promising start, Gomes made only nine appearances across all competitions before leaving the club in August 2020 to join Lille.
Since moving to France, Gomes has become a key player for Lille and has also represented England at the Under-21 level, earning 18 caps between 2021 and 2023. His injury has sparked widespread concern across the football community, with many hoping for a swift and full recovery.