Jack Clarke has been rushed to hospital following Leeds United’s 1-1 Championship draw against Middlesbrough, it has been confirmed.
The Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay reported on his personal Twitter account that it was the United winger who collapsed and received extensive treatment in the dugout from paramedics in the closing stages of the Riverside clash.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa explained soon after the completion of an absorbing match, in which Kalvin Phillips had scored the equaliser after 11 minutes of stoppage time, that Clarke had complained of feeling well and has been taken to hospital for checks.
Worrying news – it's Jack Clarke who's been taken to hospital. Bielsa about to speak now. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) February 9, 2019
Bielsa on Clarke: "What we know is that he didn't feel well. We don't know the reasons yet. But when he was taken to the dressing room he was better. He was taken to hospital to see if he is alright." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) February 9, 2019
OPINION
This is very concerning news for Leeds and their fans. Clarke had been in the starting XI for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off but was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Pablo Hernandez, who had been an injury doubt heading into the match. It is unclear whether Clarke was benched because of his performance, or due to the problems that required extensive treatment from paramedics and caused the referee to call a halt to the match late on, which was why there was so much stoppage time played. Hospital checks should confirm the seriousness of the issue and whether it is a one-off or perhaps something more serious. Clarke has made a huge impact for United in recent months after being fast-tracked into the starting XI due to a glut of senior player injuries. His youth, zest and dynamism has brought a new dimension to the Leeds attack and led to intense speculation about Premier League clubs wanting to sign him.