Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare airlifted to hospital after car crash
Crystal Palace left-back Pape Souare is set to undergo surgery this week after the player met with a serious road traffic accident on the M4 near Heathrow Airport, London. The 26-year-old suffered leg and jaw bone injuries on Sunday afternoon as fire crews helped to rescue him from his crashed Mercedes G63.
Souare’s vehicle collided with another vehicle resulting in a severe crash. While the driver of the other vehicle did not sustain any injuries, Souare was airlifted to an east London hospital. However, the Senegal international’s injuries are not career threatening.
Souare featured in all of the Eagles’ games this season except the win against Middlesbrough a day before the accident.
The defender last featured for Senegal in a 2-0 triumph over Namibia in the previous week. After establishing himself as the first choice left back at Crystal Palam, it is uncertain if and when Souare will be able to appear in a Palace shirt again.
“He’s not in a good way in terms of football because I think he’s broken his leg maybe, but thankfully he looks sound other than that and a bit bashed up,” said manager Alan Pardew.
“We’ll have to look after him and get him back as quick as we can. He’s great lad, a great player for us and he’ll be a big loss. These things happen and, more importantly, it’s not more than it could have been because obviously if you see the state of the car and the size of the accident, it was a big accident.
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A Crystal Palace spokesman said: "Crystal Palace Football Club regret to confirm that Pape Souare was yesterday involved in a car accident and taken to hospital in London. The club are liaising closely with the hospital on his progress and we obviously wish him a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with Pape and his family at this time."
A Met Police spokesman said this after the accident, "Police are appealing for witnesses after a road traffic collision on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 motorway.
"Officers were called shortly before 12:10hrs on Sunday, 11 September to reports of two cars in collision between junctions four and three. London Ambulance Service attended and the driver of one of the cars - a man aged in his 20s - was taken to an east London hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening.
"The driver of the other car involved did not require hospital treatment."
Alan Pardew is now left with only one first-choice left-back in former Liverpool defender Martin Kelly.
Palace’s next fixture is against Stoke City at home on 18th September.
Fans and players wished the defender a speedy recovery on social media.