Lang Suffers Serious Thumb Injury at Anfield
Galatasaray midfielder Noa Lang was stretchered off after sustaining a significant injury to his right thumb during their 4-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield.
The 26-year-old collided with the advertising hoardings in the 76th minute of the match and immediately fell to the ground, clutching his thumb after inspecting the wound on his right hand.
Lang appeared to be in considerable pain and was comforted by Liverpool players Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk while medical staff attended to him.
The Netherlands international was administered oxygen before being removed from the pitch on a stretcher.
In a statement released on Thursday, Galatasaray confirmed that Lang "suffered a serious cut to his right thumb."
Subsequently, Lang shared a photo from Whiston Hospital showing him smiling alongside two nurses, still wearing his Galatasaray shirt.
"Surgery went well! Thanks for all the messages,"he wrote on Instagram.
Galatasaray Coach Comments on Injury
Following the last-16 match, which Liverpool won 4-1 on aggregate, Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk described the injury as a "bad injury."
Officials Inspect Advertising Hoardings
After the game, Liverpool and UEFA officials were observed inspecting the section of advertising hoardings involved in Lang's injury.
has reached out to UEFA for comment regarding the incident.
Victor Osimhen Also Injured
Galatasaray also confirmed that forward Victor Osimhen sustained a fracture to his right forearm during the first half of the match.
The Nigerian striker went down holding his arm following a challenge with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in the eighth minute but continued playing until he was substituted by Leroy Sane at halftime.
Galatasaray stated,
"Following the match, a check-up at the hospital under the supervision of our medical team revealed that our player had a fracture in his right forearm, and a cast was applied.
A decision regarding surgery will be made in the coming days after further evaluation."
Buruk Criticizes Referee's Decisions
Buruk expressed dissatisfaction with referee Pawel Raczkowski's officiating, particularly in relation to Osimhen's injury.
"Looking at Osimhen's position, we saw that Konate was able to commit these fouls very easily, he could easily apply any kind of foul,"Buruk said.
"While we were expecting the best referee in the world, perhaps one of the worst referees officiated the game."
Upcoming Fixtures
Liverpool will face reigning champions Paris St-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
- Liverpool thrash Galatasaray to set up PSG quarter-final
- Slot needed a performance - and Liverpool delivered one
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