Two Girona stars rushed to hospital after nasty training ground accident with coach Michel admitting ‘it looks bad’
- Yan Couto and Juanpe had a clash of heads during a training session
- Both required hospital treatment and are likely to miss at least one LaLiga match
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Two Girona stars required hospital treatment after a nasty clash of heads during training.
Brazil international Yan Couto, 21, and Spanish centre-back Juanpe, 32, both suffered injuries. Coach Michel said their situation “looks bad.”
He said: “Yan Couto and Juanpe had a headbutt between them and they 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 LaLiga, said the pair had been released from hospital.
“Juanpe and Yan Couto suffered a serious shock during a match and were taken to hospital during today’s training, where they have already been discharged,” a statement said.
Girona’s Brazilian right-back Yan Couto was involved in a head-to-head fight on the training ground
He was involved in the collision with defender Juanpe (right), who required hospital treatment
Both are likely to miss Saturday’s trip to Las Palmas as they adhere to concussion protocols.
Girona, a sister club of Manchester City under the banner of the City Football Group, is third in LaLiga behind giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
With a ten-point lead between themselves and Athletic Bilbao in fifth place, with six rounds to play, Girona has a chance of reaching the Champions League for the first time.
Indeed, history has already been made for the Catalan club as their 4-1 win over Cadiz last Saturday secured European football for the first time ever.
They are now guaranteed at least a place in the Europa Conference League, but should reach the Champions League from here. Their previous highest Laliga finish was 10th.
‘We have to keep dreaming. I am very happy for my players for the great season they are having,” said Michel, who helped the team win promotion to the top in 2022.
One problem could well be UEFA rules for teams with the same owner competing in the same European competition, with Man City also on course for the Champions League next season.
Girona coach Michel admitted that ‘it looks bad’ with both players on the sidelines
Girona starters are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League
However, Girona are confident they will be allowed to take their place, citing precedents of clubs with the same owner playing together in the same UEFA competition.
Couto, who has played three times for Brazil, is on loan from City and has proven to be a key player in Girona’s Champions League battle with two goals and nine assists in 35 games.
Juanpe has been with Girona since 2016 and helped them back to LaLiga two years ago after their relegation to the Segunda Division in 2019.