West Ham defender Daniel Potts to undergo further tests

Potts suffered a head injury during last night's Premier League defeat at Arsenal

Pa
Thursday 24 January 2013 11:01 GMT
Comments
Daniel Potts receives treatment at the Emirates
Daniel Potts receives treatment at the Emirates (GETTY IMAGES)

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.

West Ham defender Daniel Potts will remain in hospital today for further tests after suffering a head injury during last night's 5-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Arsenal, the Hammers confirmed this morning.

The 18-year-old, who had a loan spell at Colchester earlier this season, fell to the ground after jumping in a challenge with Gunners defender Bacary Sagna with 18 minutes left.

It appeared the youngster, on as a substitute, hit his head on the pitch, and was momentarily knocked out.

Potts received lengthy treatment from medical staff, eventually being taken from the field on a stretcher, in a neck brace, receiving gas and covered in an emergency blanket before being transferred to a nearby hospital for observation.

West Ham confirmed the defender would be receiving more attention to aid his recovery.

A statement on the club's official Twitter feed read: "West Ham United can confirm that Dan Potts will undergo scans and further assessment in hospital on Thursday.

"On behalf of Dan, the club would like to thank fans for all their messages of support for the defender and join them in wishing him well."

Irons boss Sam Allardyce last night stressed the utmost care had to be taken because of the nature of the injury.

Speaking after the match, Allardyce said: "Potts was unable to give the correct answers to the questions the doctor asked, which shows a concussion to the brain.

"They put him on the oxygen and strapped him, just to make sure there was no damage to the spine or the neck.

"He was out for a few seconds, maybe a minute, and was not fully conscious when he came off.

"We were concerned at how long it took. They have to make sure they protect the spine the right way, getting them on the stretcher - that is why it took the time it did.

"Hopefully he will make a speedy recovery. As he lost consciousness it is a minimum of two weeks, I think, before he can play again."

PA

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