Graham Potter offers Cesar Azpilicueta update after Chelsea defender hospitalised

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has delivered an update on Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta after he was stretchered off against Southampton.

Potter’s side fell to defeat to bottom of the league Southampton, with the pressure mounting on the head coach.

James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick was the only goal of the game as the Blues were beaten 1-0 in front of a frustrated home crowd.

Unfortunately, the match was overshadowed by a horrific injury to captain Azpilicueta.

The defender was brave to get his head down among Southampton feet and Sekou Mara caught the skipper with his foot as he attempted a scissor kick.

Stamford Bridge was sent into shock as Azpilicueta was down for over 10 minutes, with the Spaniard then stretchered off.

Speaking after the game as quoted by Adam Newson, Potter delivered an update on Azpilicueta, who is in hospital.

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Potter said: “He is in hospital, so he’s in the best place. 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.”

The head coach then continued to reveal that he believes Azpilicueta was unconscious after the incident.

“I think he was so we have to take all the precautions we need to take and make sure he’s ok,” he continued. “It was worrying, a horrible incident.”

It remains to be seen as to what the extent of the injury is, with Azpilicueta unlikely to return any time soon.

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Chelsea will be hoping that it is good news, with new right back signing Malo Gusto also injured during his loan at Lyon.

The France defender will join the club at the end of the season, leaving Reece James as the only other right-back at the club.

James has had his fair share of injury concerns too this season, so Chelsea will be keen to have Azpilicueta back as soon as possible.