“The first thing I heard”- Chelsea star breaks silence following injury vs Southampton

Cesar Azpilicueta recalls horrific injury for Chelsea in Southampton loss

Cesar Azpilicueta was observed during Chelsea’s most recent training, following his horrific injury in their 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

The right-back has in fact been able to recall the horrific injury that caused him to pass out on the ground. Sekou Mara, who attempted an overhead kick, hit the Blues captain’s head, while he tried to clear the loose ball.

After the collision, which left him unresponsive, medical personnel assisted Azpilicueta for ten minutes until he was eventually helped off the field and transported to the hospital, applauding the crowd as he left the pitch on a stretcher.

The Spaniard was spotted at Cobham with Graham Potter as the team prepared for the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in north London.

Azpilicueta has played in 19 Premier League games and has also been utilised as a makeshift defender, despite largely being Reece James’ backup.

The 33-year-old posted on Chelsea’s official Twitter account (h/t Football.London), that he is well and will soon return to training, as he added:

“It’s great to be back after being discharged from the hospital and coming to say hello and watch training. It was scary, mostly for the people around me and my family.

“The last thing I could remember was when the corner was going to be kicked. The first thing I heard when I woke up was when the fans were signing my name, so I would like to say thank you.”

Our right-back position will have more depth with him back, as James has also missed the majority of the games due to injury. Thankfully, the England international is on the mend now which can allow Azpi some time to recover.

Despite not being particularly quick, Azpilicueta makes it up for it with his aggressive defending and outstanding man-marking. He is an asset for us and it is evident with each passing week why the club fought hard to keep him in SW6 despite interest from Barcelona last summer.

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From what it looks like right now, his recovery has been quick, and we are hoping for him to hit the ground running once he returns to the pitch. Of course, it is best to observe him for a few more days and ease him back into action. Hopefully, James is ready to play straightaway starting this weekend.