Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has sent a message to fans who were taken to hospital after being knocked unconscious by an attempted header in the loss to Southampton.
Saints striker Sekou Mara hit Azpilicueta in the head with a high boot in the 74th minute at Stamford Bridge.
Players from both teams were visibly worried as medical staff rushed onto the pitch.
Mateo Kovacic and Ben Chilwell were first on the scene and appeared to put a motionless Azpilicueta into recovery position.
After a long stoppage, the Spanish defender regained consciousness and left the pitch on a stretcher.
The 33-year-old was seen responding to a warm ovation from both sets of supporters.
Potter revealed after the game that Azpilicueta was taken to hospital but regained consciousness and spoke to his wife.
The Spaniard took to social media to send his thanks to fans and everyone involved in his recovery, adding that he hopes to be back ‘soon’.
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Posting a message on social media with a photo of him smiling and giving a thumbs up, he said, “Hey everyone! Thank you all for your love and messages of support!
“My family and I would like to thank everyone who has looked after me since yesterday’s incident…
“From the @ChelseaFC medical team, to teammates and opponents, to St Mary’s and Cleveland Hospital and to all of the staff and doctors: a huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“Now it’s time to recover and I’ll see you on the pitch soon!”
Trevoh Chalobah replaced the stricken Azpilicueta and added 12 minutes of added time to the second half.
Potter’s side ended up losing 1-0 thanks to James Ward-Prowse’s free kick in the first half.
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