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London defender John Terry's injury is not as serious as it initially seemed. The captain of the English national team was injured during Sunday's FA Cup final match between Chelsea and Arsenal.
In the 56th minute of the match, J. Terry attempted to head the ball and Arsenal's Abou Diaby accidentally struck him in the head while trying to compete. The footballer, whose appearance on the field in this match was unexpected due to the injury suffered in Wednesday's Champions League match, lost consciousness and was immediately taken to the hospital with a neck brace and an oxygen mask.
However, just over an hour later, the defender was released from the hospital after evaluation and returned to the stadium still in his full football gear celebrating the victory in the final with his teammates.
"John risked his health trying to defend against Abou Diaby's attack. But I cannot criticize him. Sometimes dramatic things happen in football," said Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho.
A. Diaby stated that the incident shook him: "I was scared. I wanted to reach the ball, but he put his head in the way and then it happened. I didn't see him after that, but I want to see him and talk about it...and I am happy that he is okay."
"It looked terrible. Some people were shocked. I was excited when he returned to the locker room. He fights for anything... He is a Chelsea legend," said J. Terry's teammate Wayne Bridge.
In the fall, the London club was temporarily without two goalkeepers—Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini, who suffered serious head injuries during matches.
"It was one of the worst moments. This episode reminded me of my injury. But after a few minutes, the emotions subsided. I hope everything will be okay," said Petr Cech about the team captain's injury.
It is unclear when J. Terry will play again. Recently, the captain of the English national team has been plagued by several injuries. Before the New Year, he had back surgery, and in the first Champions League quarter-final match against Porto, the Chelsea defender stretched his ankle ligaments, causing uncertainty about his ability to play until the Cup final.
