Robin Le Normand is helped by team-mates and Atletico medics following his clash of heads (Image: GETTY)
Atletico Madrid’s Robin Le Normand has been sidelined indefinitely after a harrowing head collision during Sunday’s derby with Real Madrid left him with a traumatic brain injury.
The 27-year-old Spanish defender clashed heads with Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni while contesting a corner at the Wanda Metropolitano, leading to immediate on-pitch treatment as the match concluded.
The severity of Le Normand’s condition was initially unclear until Atletico released a statement this afternoon revealing the diagnosis of a subdural haematomaa type of brain bleed.
While no timeline for his return has been provided, it is anticipated that he will face a lengthy recovery period.
Robin Le Normand has suffered a traumatic brain injury after the collision (Image: GETTY)
Atletico’s announcement detailed: “Robin Le Normand suffered a severe blow to the head in the final minutes of the Madrid derby, for which he underwent a series of tests and was assessed by specialists who determined that he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with subdural haematoma.
“In the process of returning our player to competition, the guidelines set out in the protocol established for this type of trauma will be followed.”
The derby itself ended in a 1-1 draw, with Angel Correa securing a point for Diego Simeone’s team after Eder Militao had given Real the lead. The match also saw Atletico’s Marcos Llorente receive a red card in the dying moments.
The match was delayed for 15 minutes during the second half due to crowd disturbances, with Atletico ultras hurling objects – including faeces – at goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian previously played for Atletico before transferring to Chelsea.
Robin Le Normand faces a significant spell on the sidelines (Image: GETTY)
Atletico currently sit fourth in La Liga, having secured four victories and an equal number of draws, trailing five points behind leaders Barcelona, with Real Madrid in second place, three points adrift.
Simeone’s squad will make a brief journey across the Iberian Peninsula to take on Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday night, following their campaign opener last month with a 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig at home.
In contrast, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are set to travel to Lille. The reigning champions kicked off their European campaign with a triumphant 3-1 win against Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1955959/Atletico-Madrid-Robin-Le-Normand-brain-injury