The Atlético Madrid striker Fernando Torres was taken to hospital after suffering a head injury in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruña.
Torres, 33 this month, collided with the Depor substitute Alex Bergantiños as they both went to head the ball in the 85th minute of the league game at the Riazor. The former Liverpool and Chelsea forward then crashed heavily to the turf, with his head clattering against the ground.
With players from both sides appearing very concerned by what they had seen, medical staff rushed over and Torres, who at least initially seemed to be unconscious, was subsequently taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
Atlético later released a statement that said: “Torres suffered a head trauma. He was taken to hospital for tests. He will spend the night under observation.”
Diego Simeone’s side had fallen behind in the 13th minute when Florin Andone scored, before Antoine Griezmann equalised with a spectacular 68th-minute goal.
Simeone said: “We still don’t have any official information but he’s conscious. Worried, nervous … those are the feelings after he suffered such a heavy blow. We heard the blow from the bench, we saw how he fell and we were afraid. We didn’t know if that noise was Fernando’s neck or not.
“They are unfortunate situations that happen in matches and we’re hoping for the best for Fernando.”