David Ospina: Arsenal goalkeeper collapses after suffering head injury in Napoli win over Udinese

The Colombian, on loan at the Italian club, suffered a blow to the head and was taken to hospital

Jack Rathborn
Monday 18 March 2019 08:37 GMT
Comments
Unai Emery 'excited' by Arsenal's chances of winning the Europa League

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina collapsed during Napoli's Serie A win over Udinese and was subsequently taken to hospital.

The Colombian is on loan with the Italians for the season and suffered a blow to the head in a collision with Ignacio Pussetto.

Shortly after the visitors levelled the game at 2-2, having previously been 2-0 down, Ospina fell to the ground before the interval.

After receiving treatment on the pitch, Ospina was substituted and taken to hospital, where he underwent tests and treatment.

"Fortunately it's nothing serious, he's conscious," said manager Carlo Ancelotti. "They did a CAT scan that is negative."

The Partenopei went on to win the game 4-2, with goals from Arek Milik and Dries Mertens.

Ospina could feature against the Gunners in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, though it remains unclear whether his parent club inserted a clause forbidding his involvement.

David Ospina takes a blow to the head
David Ospina takes a blow to the head (AFP/Getty)

Uefa rules allow loan players to feature against their parent clubs though, as was the case with Thibaut Courtois when he played for Atletico Madrid against Chelsea in 2014.

But Ospina has not been Ancelotti's No 1 throughout the campaign, battling with Alex Meret for game time.

David Ospina receives treatment
David Ospina receives treatment (AFP/Getty)

The 30-year-old's appearances have been restricted with the belief that Napoli must make his loan move permanent if he reaches 30 games and his current total at 17 in all competitions.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in