Soccer

Evan Ndicka ‘in good spirits’ in hospital after collapsing during Roma match

Ivory Coast international defender went down off the ball and was taken from the pitch on a stretcher

Roma's Evan Ndicka is taken off on a stretcher after collapsing during the Serie A match against Udinese at Dacia Arena. Photograph: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images
Roma's Evan Ndicka is taken off on a stretcher after collapsing during the Serie A match against Udinese at Dacia Arena. Photograph: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images
Sun Apr 14 2024 - 22:15

Roma defender Evan Ndicka is recovering in hospital after collapsing on the pitch during Sunday’s Serie A clash with Udinese.

The game at the Bluenergy Stadium was abandoned after 72 minutes with the score at 1-1 after the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international went down off the ball.

Ndicka was carried off on a stretcher after undergoing treatment on the pitch, but Roma later confirmed that the former Auxerre and Eintracht Frankfurt player was “feeling better” and “in good spirits” after being taken to hospital for checks.

A statement on Roma’s official X account read: “The squad went to visit Ndicka at the hospital. Evan is feeling better and is in good spirits. He will remain in the hospital for further observations. Forza Evan!”

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Medics rushed to Ndicka’s assistance after his collapse and the decision was taken not to resume the fixture as he headed for hospital.

Roma posted: “Following the on-field medical emergency involving Evan Ndicka, the match between Udinese and Roma has been suspended.

“The player is conscious and has been taken to hospital for further checks. Forza Evan, we are all with you!”

Udinese said in a post: “We are with you, Ndicka.”

Roberto Pereyra had given the home side the lead before the break, but Romelu Lukaku made it 1-1 with 64 minutes gone.