Scary sight as Azpilicueta has to be stretchered off after receiving a nasty blow to head

Chelsea's game against Southampton on Saturday was marked by an injury to Cesar Azpilicueta with 17 minutes to go, when Sekou Mara attempted a bicycle kick and accidentally kicked the Spanish defender in the head.

After Azpilicueta fell to the ground, he was surrounded by teammates and opponents, initially appearing motionless.

However, after a few seconds, he was seen breathing and received medical treatment for several minutes before being carried off on a stretcher.

Mara received a yellow card for his action while the Chelsea defender was on his way to the dressing room.

Chelsea confirm that Azpilicueta is doing well

Azpilicueta was taken to the hospital, where he underwent tests to determine the extent of the injury.

"He's in hospital, so he's in the best place," his coach, Graham Potter, said after the game.

"He's conscious and he was speaking to his wife so that's good.

"We were obviously really concerned, especially when it first happened, but hopefully he's in the best place and we'll keep monitoring him.

"I think he was unconscious when it happened so we have to take all the precautions we need to take now and make sure he's okay, but it was worrying. It was a horrible incident."

Chelsea didn't manage to turn the game around after Southampton took a first-half lead through James Ward-Prowse and the visitors grabbed a huge 1-0 victory at the Stamford Bridge.