Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta knocked out after sickening overhead kick to the face

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta was taken off on a stretcher after being knocked unconscious during Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash against Southampton.

The 33-year-old was involved in a nasty collision with Saints forward Sekou Mara, who connected with Azpilicueta's face after attempting an overhead kick.

Referee David Coote immediately stopped play in the 74th minute and Chelsea pair Mateo Kovacic and Ben Chilwell appeared to put Azpilicueta in the recovery position.

Medics soon appeared on the scene as players from both sides appeared shaken by the incident.

📸 - Azpilicueta is taken off the pitch after receiving medical attention for 10 minutes. pic.twitter.com/G6lKE71FTZ

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) February 18, 2023

After a nine-minute stoppage, a conscious Azpilicueta was placed on a stretcher before all four corners of Stamford Bridge applauded the Chelsea defender, who encouragingly responded by applauding back.

The Spaniard was eventually taken to an ambulance by medics.

Southampton wished the player the best following the incident, while fans voiced their concern for Azpilicueta.

One said: "I hope Azpilicueta is okay. That was truly terrible to watch," while another commented: "As bad as that result feels, some things are more important than football. Praying for good news about Cesar Azpilicueta."

A third said: "Awful injury to our Dave. I hope to goodness it's not as serious as it looks."

Sékou Mara with an attempted overhead kickoff but kicked Cesar Azpilicueta in the head.pic.twitter.com/PbZGbpKfW7

— H/F (@hfworld_) February 18, 2023

In terms of the full-time result, bottom of the league Southampton secured a crucial three points in their fight for survival as a trademark free-kick from James Ward-Prowse handed the Saints a memorable 1-0 victory in West London.

Ater the full-time whistle, Ward-Prowse said: "The game was obviously overshadowed a bit by the injury to Cesar [Azpilicueta] and we wish our best to him. We hope he is OK."

Chelsea, meanwhile, have only won once this calendar year under Graham Potter.

In fact, the Blues have scored just four goals in 2023 and sit 10th in the Premier League standings, despite spending a record £323 million in the January transfer window.