AFC Bournemouth left-back Charlie Daniels crumbled to the floor after attempting a cross against Manchester City.
He immediately grabbed his leg with one hand and pounded the grass with the other, clearly in distress.
Ryan Fraser was the first one on the scene immediately waving for assistance whilst a ponderous Andre Marriner ambled his way over and finally enabled support to come for the stricken left-back.
The delay in treatment might not have made any difference in the case of Charlie Daniels, but its always a bit of a bugbear when the referee is the reason for any delay to treatment for seriously injured players.
Daniels was stretchered off the pitch and before half-time, it was already announced that Daniels had suffered a suspected dislocated patella (kneecap).
That news was later confirmed following a scan.
The highs and lows of football. I've come back once and I'll come back again. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch over the past few days. Your support means everything ❤️🖤 #afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/10Dgic3wwp
— charlie daniels (@chazdaniels13) August 29, 2019
Daniels will have an operation on the knee as soon as possible and is then unlikely to be fit until the start of the 2020/21 campaign.
Unfortunately for the 32-year-old, the injury comes as he enters the final year of his contract with AFC Bournemouth.
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk…
“We are devastated for Charlie, who had worked so hard to come back from his previous knee injury on his left knee in the second half of last season.
“Our worst fears were confirmed following scans this week.
“Charlie is a big character around this club, he has been a huge part of our journey and our rise through the leagues and he will continue to be just as important while undergoing his recovery.
“He will receive the best possible treatment and rehabilitation while he goes through this process, as well as the love and support of everyone here at the club.”
Your say…
OBX wrote…
When you look at the injury, it was just how he twisted to make that kick. His plant foot either was planted awkwardly or slipped and dug in on the kick. Not a training or fitness thing at all.
Maybe blame the pitch? But I haven’t heard anyone comment that the pitch was soft or bad.
Tinpot Club added…
Actually yes. Eddie wasn’t happy with the pitch after the Sheffield United game and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made similar comments on last Sunday.
I think it was more about it being too hard and dry rather than soft but no idea if this contributed in any way. – Join the conversation, click here.
