Ex-Manchester United star and TB Joshua disciple suffers horror injury in Ligue 1 clash

Angel Gomes being stretchered off against Reims | Imago

Ex-Manchester United star and TB Joshua disciple suffers horror injury in Ligue 1 clash

Ayoola Kelechi 10:14 - 18.08.2024

The midfielder was unconscious on the pitch and had to be treated for more than 30 minutes during the Ligue 1 match

Former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes was rushed to the hospital after a serious head injury during Lille’s Ligue 1 match against Reims.

The incident occurred just 11 minutes into Lille’s first Ligue 1 match of the new season when Gomes collided with Reims defender Amadou Kone, who was subsequently sent off for the challenge.

Lille victory spoiled by Gomes injury

Lille opened their Ligue 1 account for the 2024/25 season with a 2-0 win away to Reims, but the match will be remembered for all the wrong reasons after the horror injury to Gomes.

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The match at Stade Auguste-Delaune was halted for 34 minutes as medical staff attended to the Manchester United academy graduate, with players from both teams quickly calling for medical assistance and forming a protective circle around Gomes.

Fans from both Lille and Reims united in singing Gomes’ name as he received treatment, and the 23-year-old midfielder was eventually carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

Angel Gomes before disaster struck against Reims | Imago
Angel Gomes before disaster struck against Reims | Imago Angel Gomes before disaster struck against Reims | Imago

Following the match, Lille coach Bruno Genesio confirmed that the player was conscious and in good spirits despite the severity of the injury.

Lille provide update on Gomes injury

Genesio spoke to reporters after the match and expressed his relief at Gomes’ current condition, saying, "The latest news is rather reassuring, but it's better to be careful."

Angel Gomes after the collision against Reims | Imago
Angel Gomes after the collision against Reims | Imago

“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."

However, Genesio also confessed to being "very, very scared" during the incident.

Angel Gomes being treated on the pitch | Imago
Angel Gomes being treated on the pitch | Imago Angel Gomes being treated on the pitch | Imago

Manchester United also showed their support for their former player, sending a message on social media which read: "Sending love and strength to @AGomes_47, who has been taken to hospital following a collision while playing for Lille. We're thinking of you, Angel."

Gomes, who joined Lille in 2020 after his release from Manchester United, also became popular among Nigerian fans due to his affiliation with the Synagogue of All Nations church, led by the late Nigerian pastor TB Joshua.