FABRICE NSAKALA is recovering in hospital after collapsing on the pitch during Besiktas’ game against Gaziantep.
The defender, 31, was taken away in an ambulance after 76 minutes of the Turkish Super Lig game on Saturday.
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Fortunately, he later posted a photograph of himself smiling from his hospital bed following the game’s completion.
Besiktas confirmed that Nsakala did not lose consciousness when he collapsed at Gaziantep Stadyumu.
An official reason for his episode has not yet been disclosed.
The club tweeted: “Fabrice Nsakala, who could not continue due to the discomfort he experienced in the match with Gaziantep FK, was sent to the hospital as a precautionary measure with clear consciousness.
“Get well soon.”
Nsakala’s Twitter update to fans confirmed he was feeling better, with the player adding the caption: “As I always say CONTINUE BROTHER.”
Besiktas posted their own tweet of the photo, writing: “You’ll return stronger.”
The added-on time after Nsakala received treatment on the pitch amounted to 11 minutes, which was played out before the game ended 0-0.
Speaking afterwards Besiktas boss Sergen Yalcin assured fans of their star’s condition.
He said: “N’Sakala is fine, he has no problems.
“We were really scared at that moment. It was a sad event. Hopefully such things will not happen.”
After coming through the academy of Ligue 1 side Troyes, Nsakala played five full seasons for the French team before spells at Anderlecht, Alanyaspor and, since last summer, Besiktas.
The defender represented France at youth level before opting to play for DR Congo, and he has earned 15 caps for the African nation.
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