Azpilicueta recovering gradually after horrific head injury in Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Southampton

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is recovering after suffering a concussion against Southampton yesterday.

According to the Evening Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Azpilicueta is conscious and speaking to his family after the scary incident at Stamford Bridge.

The right-back took a boot to the head from Southampton’s Sekou Mara, who was not looking behind as he attempted an overhead kick. The thud from the boot was loud, and Azpilicueta fell to the floor.

Both teammates and opposition players gathered around Azpilicueta to ensure he was fine as the medics rushed onto the scene.

They treated the Spanish international for around eight minutes before taking him off the pitch on a stretcher. Trevoh Chalobah replaced him.

After the game, Chelsea manager Graham Potter said the player was in hospital and responding to treatment. He is recovering and should be out tomorrow.

It was not the only bad news for Chelsea and Potter as they lost to bottom-placed Southampton. The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss has only two wins in his last 15 games in charge of the club.

The defeat was their second in a row following their disappointing 1-0 reverse against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek.

Things are not much better in the Premier League. Chelsea are tenth and hopes of a top-four finish are fading with each passing game. They have also crashed out of the two domestic cups.

Chelsea’s new owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, want to continue with Potter. They believe this is a long-term project and are keen to give him time.

However, with fans turning against the Englishman, the owners may decide to cut his stay short.

Fans have booed Potter and his players, blaming the manager for poor selections and tactical naivety.

Chelsea’s owners are not as desperate for immediate results as the fans despite spending over £500 million on new signings since their arrival.

They believe the signings need time to gel. But with the deteriorating performances and irritable mood around the club, Potter’s job could be in danger soon if things don’t turn around.