Cesar Azpilicueta Posts Positive Update From Hospital 24 Hours After Suffering Head Injury

Cesar Azpilicueta said he will be back on the pitch "soon" as he posted an update from hospital 24 hours after suffering a head injury at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea defender was given oxygen on the field before being taken off on a stretcher in the 84th minute of Saturday's 1-0 loss to Southampton.

This came after he had been struck in the face by Sekou Mara as the Southampton player attempted an overhead kick.

Cesar Azpilicueta pictured (right) moments after being accidentally kicked in the face by Sekou Mara during Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Southampton

IMAGO/Pro Sports Images/Nigel Keene

Azpilicueta had initially been motionless as he lay on the ground but he was conscious when he left the pitch.

Tweeting on Sunday evening, Azpilicueta sounded positive as he wrote: "Hi everyone! Thank you all for your love and messages of support!

"My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday’s incident…

"From the @ChelseaFC medical team, to teammates and opponents, to St Mary's and Cleveland Hospital and all staff members and doctors: a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart.

"Now, time to recover and I will see you soon on the pitch!"