MANCHESTER CITY youngster Eric Garcia was stretchered off the pitch against Arsenal after a sickening clash with his own goalkeeper.
Boss Pep Guardiola later said he and his medical staff are “really concerned” about the teenager, who had to receive oxygen on the pitch.
The defender was having a fine game helping his side keep a clean sheet in their first game back after the coronavirus suspension last night.
But as the clocked ticked into the last few minutes of the game at the Etihad, Garcia was left floored after Ederson clattered into him.
The stretcher was immediately called for as players from both sides stood visibly concerned for the 19-year-old’s condition.
Garcia was given oxygen and placed in a neck brace as he made a worrying exit from the pitch.
The game was held up for ten minutes as the player received treatment.
Manchester City today released a statement, reading: “Eric was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary hospital after the game as a precaution for further tests.
“He will be monitored in the coming days, ahead of a return to training and competitive action.”
And keeper Ederson showed there was no problems between the pair by positing an update on his Instagram Story.
Eric Garcia was taken off the field on a stretcher and requiring oxygenCredit: Reuters
There was great concern for the welfare of the teenager after the sickening clashCredit: Getty – Pool
This was the horror clash between Garcia and his own keeper EdersonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Guardiola had said: “We are really concerned [about Eric Garcia]. He responded quite well but we have to wait. He is conscious which is a good sign. We will make another test.
“In the beginning it was a lot of energy. Everybody wanted the ball. It was not quiet. We had chances. It was important to score before half time.
“I am happy with the performance of the team. I see in a good shape, the team, which is a good thing for the next few games.
“We have one eye on the next game. Aymeric Laporte was out for a long injury. We have players who play 50, 60 minutes which is good. And can maybe play the next one good.”
Speaking after the game that City won 3-0, goalscorer Raheem Sterling said: “Eric had a fantastic game, came in fit and played really well.
“[It was] was sad to see him go off like that, at first he looked pretty bad but after a little bit he looked himself. Only time will tell.”
The game was held up for around ten minutes as the defender received treatmentCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
City were forced to play out the remainder of the game with ten men having made all five of their substitutions.
But it merely balanced things up with Arsenal down to ten themselves after David Luiz was sent off.
Garcia was a surprise inclusion in Guardiola’s starting XI for the second game back as the Premier League resumed.
But it proved a great decision by the City boss as Garcia looked assured alongside Aymeric Laporte at centre-back.
City were 2-0 up at the time of Garcia’s injury thanks to goals from Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne.
Substitute Phil Foden added some gloss to the scoreline when he capitalised on slack Arsenal defending after Sergio Aguero had hit the woodwork.
Earlier in the evening Project Restart got off to a dour start with Aston Villa and Sheffield United playing out a 0-0 draw.
But United were left feeling aggrieved after scoring a clear goal that goal-line technology failed to award.
Both games saw the players ‘take the knee’ to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement following the shocking death of George Floyd.
Teams also held a minute’s silence at the start of the games to remember all those who have died from coronavirus.
Players were visibly concerned for Eric Garcia as he lie motionlessCredit: Reuters
Manchester City had to play out the remaining few minutes with ten menCredit: PA:Press Association
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
