Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Robin Le Normand suffered a ‘traumatic brain injury’ during the side’s recent clash with Real Madrid and will be out of action for the foreseeable future.
Le Normand, 27, clashed heads with Aurelien Tchouameni in the closing stages of Sunday’s Madrid derby in La Liga, which ended 1-1 at Atleti’s Metropolitano Stadium.
The severity of Le Normand’s injury had been uncertain given the final whistle was blown just moments after the incident but the defender appeared visibly dazed, with players and medical staff expressing their concern.
Subsequent tests determined that Le Normand sustained a traumatic brain injury as well as a subdural haematoma, a serious condition where blood collects between the skull and surface of the brain.
‘Robin Le Normand suffered a severe blow to the head in the final minutes of the Madrid derby,’ a statement on Atleti’s official website read this afternoon.
‘He underwent a series of tests and was assessed by specialists who determined that he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with subdural haematoma.
‘In the process of returning our player to competition, the guidelines set out in the protocol established for this type of trauma will be followed.’
Le Normand has started all but one of Atleti’s matches in La Liga this season, with Diego Simeone’s side sitting fourth in the Spanish top flight.
Earlier this summer, Le Normand played a key role in Spain’s success at Euro 2024, making six appearances across the tournament including La Roja’s victory over England in the final.
The centre-back had been enjoying a fine start to his debut season with Atletico Madrid on the back of a €30million (£25m) transfer move from Real Sociedad at the end of July.
Atleti are yet to put a timeframe on Le Normand’s possible return but the club will be without their new signing for Wednesday night’s Champions League group-stage clash with Benfica.
It appears extremely likely that Le Normand will also miss Atleti’s trip to his former club, Sociedad, this weekend.
After his injury in Atleti’s draw with Madrid, Le Normand shared a brief message with his 309,000 followers on Instagram.
‘Believe until the end,’ the Spain international wrote.
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