Cesar Azpilicueta breaks Chelsea silence for first time after being hospitalised with head injury

Cesar Azpilicueta has spoken for the first time after he was sent to hospital following a head injury during Chelsea’s defeat to Southampton.

The Chelsea captain was struck in the head by Sekou Mara when trying to clear the ball late on in the second half at Stamford Bridge as the Blues went on to suffer a 1-0 defeat to the Saints.

Azpilicueta received lengthy medical treatment before being stretchered off the pitch and sent to hospital for checks and scans.

The 33-year-old was confirmed to be conscious and speaking at the full-time whistle after head coach Graham Potter delivered an immediate update.

“He is in hospital, so he’s in the best place,” said Potter post-match. “He is conscious and speaking to his wife, so that is good. We’re obviously very concerned, especially when it first happened. Hopefully, he is in the best place and we keep monitoring.”

He added: “I think he was (unconscious at a point) so we have to take all the precautions we need to take and make sure he’s ok. It was worrying, a horrible incident.”

A positive update was provided on Sunday morning saying the Chelsea skipper was feeling better and hoped to be out of hospital on Monday.

Then shortly after, the Spain international spoke publicly for the first time, thanking everyone for the support he has been given and is now looking forward to getting back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“Hi everyone!” he wrote on social media on Sunday afternoon.

“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 FC 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 will be hoping to be available to face Tottenham Hotspur in Chelsea’s next game which takes place next Sunday in north London.