Premier League cult hero rushed to hospital after struggling sickening damage throughout collision

A Premier League cult hero was rushed to hospital over the weekend when he was involved in a sickening on-pitch clash, suffering a rare injury

A Premier League cult hero was rushed to hospital over the weekend when he was involved in a sickening on-pitch clash.

Yannick Bolasie, 37, suffered a nasty pancreas injury when the former Crystal Palace, Everton and Aston Villa star was caught by Kaique Kenji in the final moments of the first-half of Chapecoense’s Copa do Brasil clash against Cruzeiro.

Bolasie and Kenji had been challenging for the ball when the winger hit the deck clutching his stomach. Medics rushed to his aid – and he was able to finish the first-half, but didn’t emerge from the dressing room for the second period.

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Instead, club doctors sent him to hospital where it was revealed he suffered an injury to his pancreas and reports from Brazil claim he is set to spend several weeks in recovery.

A statement, re-shared on his Instagram story, said: “Just a quick update to everyone who has been seeking news and wishing Bolasie well since yesterday.

“As everyone knows, yesterday he suffered a very strong impact to his rib area, resulting in his hospitalisation.

“He is currently stable but will undergo further tests and remains under observation. Thank you all for your messages of support and well wishes. God willing, everything will be alright soon.”

The first leg ended goalless but the return fixture is scheduled at Cruzeiro’s Mineirao on Wednesday.

Bolasie, who won’t be available for the clash, arrived at Chapecoense earlier this year – having also turned out for Cruzeiro and Criciuma since leaving England in 2024.

Bolasie arguably enjoyed his best days under Alan Pardew when he and the Eagles were enjoying a purple patch and the then manager claimed he would only sell his winger for £60million.