Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has suggested that he is on the road to recovery after suffering a head injury against Southampton on Saturday.
The 33-year-old was making his first start in over a month after Graham Potter made the decision to hand a rest to Reece James.
However, Azpilicueta's return was cut short during the closing stages after he was kicked in the face by Sekou Mara, who had been attempting an overhead kick.
The impact of the blow led to immediate concern from both sets of players and the referee immediately signalled for medical assistance.
The Spaniard would receive eight minutes of treatment before he was stretchered off, subsequently resulted in 12 minutes of added-on time being added.
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After the game, one which Chelsea lost by a 1-0 scoreline, Potter confirmed that the club captain had been taken to hospital.
According to the Evening Standard, Azpilicueta suffered no broken bones, something which provided a significant boost to his recovery time.
While Azpilicueta will now have to meet concussion protocols, he has been able to post an update on his condition on social media.
The full-back said: "Hi everyone Thank you all for your love and messages of support! My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday's incident...
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"From the Chelsea medical team, to teammates and opponents, to St Mary's and Cleveland Hospital and all staff members and doctors: a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"Now, time to recover and I will see you soon on the pitch!"
Chelsea do not return to action until they make the short trip to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on February 26.
Nevertheless, Azpilicueta is unlikely to come back into contention until the home showdown with Leeds United on March 4.
Darren Plant
