Samuel Asamoah is facing potential paralysis following a horrific collision with an advertising board at the weekend. The Togo midfielder was playing for Guangxi Pingguo against Chongqing Tonglianglong on Sunday, when he collided head-first with an LED panel.
Medical staff rushed to his aid as he lay on the pitch. And on Monday, it was revealed by his club that the 31-year-old is at risk of “high-level paraplegia” after suffering multiple fractures to his neck. In addition to the fractures, Asamoah also sustained severe nerve damage.
His club confirmed that the player has undergone surgery and is currently in a stable condition. However, they warned that “his career may also be seriously affected”.
In a statement, the club said: “Guangxi Pingguo FC sincerely thanks all fans and all walks of life for their concern and support for Samuel Asamoah. His recovery progress will be announced in due course after follow-up examinations.”
Asamoah’s football journey began as he rose through the Aspire Academy in 2012, before spending five years with Eupen in the Belgian football pyramid. He then moved on to Sint-Truiden, making 115 appearances for De Kanaries.
The defensive midfielder then had spells with FC U Craiova and Qingdao Red Lions before joining Guangxi Pingguo this year. He has made 24 appearances across all competitions for his current club.
It comes as the football community mourns the death of Billy Vigar. The former Arsenal youth star passed away at the age of 21 last month, following a serious brain injury sustained during a match for Chichester City.
Vigar was a part of the Gunners’ Under-21s side up until last year, before moving on to Hastings United on a free transfer. He then joined Chichester this summer.
He sustained a serious head injury in September during a match against Wingate and Finchley, where it is understood that he collided with a concrete wall as he attempted to stop the ball from going out of play. The game was stopped as a result, and Vigar was taken to hospital, where he was later placed into an induced coma.
However, Chichester sadly confirmed the tragic news that the player had passed away days later, sharing a statement from his family. It read: “After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma.
“On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (September 25) morning.
“The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.”
Chichester added: “Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.”