Ex-Man Utd midfielder Gomes in hospital after head injury
Angel Gomes made five Premier League appearances for Manchester United
- Published
Lille midfielder Angel Gomes has been taken to hospital after he suffered a serious head injury during their Ligue 1 match with Reims.
The London-born former Manchester United player collided with Reims defender Amadou Kone, who was subsequently sent off for the challenge, in the 11th minute of the game on Saturday.
There was a delay of 34 minutes to the game as Gomes, 23, was treated on the pitch before being taken to hospital.
LIlle later said he was conscious and had even asked about the score.
After the incident, players from Lille and Reims immediately called for the medical staff as team-mates placed the stricken Gomes in the recovery position and formed a circle around him.
Both sets of supporters at the Stade Auguste-Delaune sang Gomes' name as he was attended to.
He received treatment before he was strapped to a stretcher and carried off the pitch.
Lille coach Bruno Genesio said after the game: "The latest news is rather reassuring, but it's better to be careful.
"Angel asked if he was going to play [next] Saturday. It's a good sign if he has a sense of humour. The match was secondary for me tonight.
"Angel was conscious when he was carried out. I know he spoke, he asked about the result, he showed he's in good spirits, but I think we have to wait a bit."
Genesio admitted to feeling "very, very scared" after the incident.
The match restarted in the 45th minute, with 34 minutes added to the end of the first half.
The game finished 2-0 to Lille thanks to goals from Bafode Diakite and Jonathan David.
Lille president Olivier Letang added: "Angel is doing quite well but we'll wait to see how he gets through the night with his additional tests."
Manchester United sent a message of support, writing on social media: "Sending love and strength to Andre Gomes who has been taken to hospital following a collision while playing for Lille. We're thinking of you, Angel."
Gomes joined United in 2006 aged six and progressed through their academy ranks to the first team.
He made his Premier League debut in May 2017 against Crystal Palace and went on to make another nine appearances in all competitions.
Gomes joined Lille in August 2020 after he was released by United.
He won 18 caps for England Under-21s between 2021 and 2023.