Update on Angel Gomes's condition following serious head injury during Lille's match against Reims

Angel Gomes has been able to safely return to his home in Lille after sustaining a severe head injury during the match against Reims. Reports from France suggest that he is expected to make a full recovery relatively quickly.

Goals from Bafode Diakite and Jonathan David sealed Lille a comfortable 2-0 victory in their Ligue 1 opener, but Gomes’ injury in the 44th minute overshadowed the match at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.

The 23-year-old midfielder, formerly of Manchester United, collided in the air with Reims defender Amadou Kone, who was shown a red card for the challenge by referee Eric Wattellier.

The game had to be put on hold for 34 minutes while medical staff treated Gomes, with both sets of fans singing and chanting the player’s name throughout the worrying scenes.

He was subsequently strapped to a stretcher and carried from the field shortly before half-time to be taken to hospital and Hakon Arnar Haraldsson came on in his place.

According to French publication RMC Sport, scans and neurological examinations on Gomes came back normal. The ex-England Under-21 star required a stitch on a wound on his lip but returned to Lille overnight and was able to stand during the tests.

The report claims Gomes is expected to recover ‘fairly quickly’ but Lille must follow concussion protocol.

Gomes therefore looks certain to miss the side’s upcoming matches against Slavia Prague and Angers in the Champions League and Ligue 1 respectively.

‘The latest news is rather reassuring, but it’s better to be careful,’ Lille head coach Bruno Genesio said shortly after his side’s win.

‘Angel asked if he was going to play next Saturday. It’s a good sign if he has a sense of humour. The match was secondary for me tonight.

‘Angel was conscious when he was carried out.

‘I know he spoke, he asked about the result, he showed he’s in good spirits, but I think we have to wait a bit.’

Reims manager Luka Elsner said he was ‘scared’ for Gomes also passed on his support to the London-born midfielder.

He told reporters: ‘The first words must be for Angel Gomes. I hope he is well.

‘I think the news can be a little reassuring, it is one of the priorities after a match like that. We were scared.’

Lille’s win put them third in the French top flight, with Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain sitting top and second after resounding victories away from home.

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