Two Girona stars rushed to hospital after serious training ground accident, with coach Michel admitting ‘it looks bad’
- Yan Couto and Juanpe suffered a head clash during training
- Both had to be hospitalized and risk missing at least one La Liga match.
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Two Girona stars had to be hospitalized after a violent clash of heads during a training session.
Brazil international Yan Couto, 21, and Spanish central defender Juanpe, 32, were both injured. Coach Michel said their situation “looks bad.”
He said: “Yan Couto and Juanpe suffered a head injury and are currently in hospital. It looks bad.
However, a later update from Girona, who are on course to qualify for the Champions League after an excellent season in La Liga, said both men had been released from hospital.
“Juanpe and Yan Couto suffered a serious shock during a match during training today and were taken to hospital, from where they have already been released,” a statement said.
Girona’s Brazilian right-back Yan Couto was involved in a clash of heads on the training ground
He was involved in the collision with defender Juanpe (right), who had to be hospitalized
Both are likely to miss Saturday’s trip to Las Palmas as they follow concussion protocols.
Girona, Manchester City’s sister club under the City Football Group banner, are third in La Liga behind giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
With a 10-point gap with fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, six days from the end, Girona has every chance of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.
Indeed, history has already been made for the Catalan club with last Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Cadiz, securing European football for the first time.
They are now assured of at least a place in the Europa Conference League – but are now expected to progress to the Champions League. Their previous best finish in LaLiga was 10th.
“We must continue to dream. I am very happy for my players for the incredible season they are having,” said Michel, who helped the team win promotion to the top flight in 2022.
One problem may well be UEFA’s rules regarding teams under the same ownership competing in the same European competition, with Man City also on course for next season’s Champions League.
Girona coach Michel admitted “it looks bad” with both players missing.
Newcomer Girona on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League
Girona are, however, confident he will be allowed to take his place, citing precedents of clubs under the same ownership playing together in the same UEFA competition.
Couto, who has made three appearances for Brazil, is on loan from City and has proved a key player in Girona’s Champions League run with two goals and nine assists in 35 appearances.
Juanpe has been at Girona since 2016, helping them return to La Liga two years ago after their relegation to the Segunda Division in 2019.
