Bordeaux star Alberth Elis rushed to hospital after horror head clash in first 34 seconds

Bordeaux forward Alberth Elis was reportedly taken to hospital after suffering a serious head injury in the opening minute of Saturday's game against Guingamp. The Honduras international was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Guingamp defender Donatien Gomis in the first 34 seconds of the match in France's second-tier.

Elis collapsed to the ground following the collision and received lengthy treatment on the pitch, with many of his Bordeaux team-mates looking visibly distressed. He was stretchered off after an eight-minute delay and was conscious when he was taken to hospital for additional checks, according to widespread reports in France.

The former Brest loanee, who received a standing ovation as he left the field of play, was initially kept in the stadium to undergo an assessment before he was subsequently transferred to hospital in a conscious state.

Elis has scored five league goals in 22 appearances for Bordeaux this season, helping them to stay 10 points clear of the relegation zone in Ligue 2. He initially joined Bordeaux on loan from Portuguese side Boavista in 2021 before completing a permanent switch the following summer.

Bordeaux went on to secure a narrow victory over Guingamp, with Zan Vipotnik scoring the only goal of the game just before the half-time whistle. After the match, manager Albert Riera dedicated the victory to Elis in a heartfelt post on X, formerly Twitter.

Riera wrote: "W... +3... dedicated to our 'pantera' Alberth Elis, have a good recovery. Applause to you, to the most important of football, to the actors (the players) and the fans (supporters)…this show belongs to you! Both together creates a strong cocktail."

Bordeaux midfielder Gaetan Weissbeck also paid tribute to Elis on behalf of the squad in his post-match interview, telling the club's official channels: "We dedicate this victory to Alberth Elis."

The result marked Bordeaux's fourth straight home victory in Ligue 2, with the French outfit currently enjoying a strong run of form on the pitch. They sit 15th in the table but are only six points adrift of the division's top five ahead of their next outing against Rodez on Saturday.

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