ROMA defender Evan Ndicka was stretchered off after collapsing off the ball during their clash with Udinese.
The 24-year-old was taken away by medical staff in the 74th minute of the Serie A clash, before the match was abandoned.
He went to ground while Roma had possession of the ball and could be seen holding his chest.
It has since been confirmed by his club that he is conscious and has been “transported to hospital for checks”.
A Roma statement read: “Following an illness suffered on the pitch by Evan Ndicka, #UdineseRoma was suspended.
“The player is conscious and was transported to hospital for checks.
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“Come on Evan, we’re all with you! 💪”
The game was 1-1 at the time of the suspension.
The Roma players huddled together, before both teams were talked through the situation by the referee.
After some discussion, the official blew his whistle and instructed the players to leave the field.
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Who is Evan Ndicka?
Evan Ndicka has been with Roma since 2023.
The 24-year-old joined the Italian outfit from Eintracht Frankfurt on a five-year deal.
The big centre-back started his career at Auxerre in France.
As he rose through the youth ranks, he represented France at every level up to the Under-21s.
But he has since represented Ivory Coast at international level, making 14 appearances for the African giants.
He’d made 27 appearances in all competitions prior to the medical scare vs Udinese.
Fans from both clubs applauded the decision.
And those on social media were quick to share messages of support for the Ivory Coast international.
One said: “Thoughts and prayers with Evan Ndicka 🙏🙏.”
Another added: “Thoughts are with Ndicka and his friends and family as he’s stretchered off due to collapsing on the pitch. Get well soon 🧡🙁.”
A third replied: “Forza Evan Ndicka! We are all with you brother ❤️💛❤️💛.”
While a fourth responded: “Prayers up for Ndicka 🙏.”
Hours later, the club gave another update with a picture of Ndicka sitting up in his hospital bed.
The defender could be seen tensing his arm after being visited by his team-mates.
The update read: “The squad went to visit Ndicka at the hospital.
“Evan is feeling better and is in good spirits.
“He will remain in the hospital for further observations. Forza Evan!”
Roberto Pereyra had given Udinese a 23rd-minute lead on Sunday evening.
But ex-Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku levelled midway through the second period, shortly before Ndicka went down.
Roma came into the game sitting in fifth place, four points adrift of Bologna in fourth.
Ndicka joined Roma from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer having played 183 games for the German side, winning the Europa League in 2022.
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He has earned 14 caps for Ivory Coast since making his debut in 2023.
And he played every minute of his country’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier this year.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
