Senegal striker Demba Ba suffered a harrowing injury in action during a Chinese Super League match on Sunday.
The 31-year-old former Chelsea attacker was playing for Shanghai Shenhua versus Shanghai SIPG, when a 64th minute tackle from Sun Xiang saw the striker’s leg twist and give way beneath the knee, breaking his left leg as he collapsed to the ground.
The former Newcastle, West Ham and Chelsea frontman completed a GBP£11.3-million transfer to Shanghai Shenhua from Beşiktaş last year, and has since been a top performer in China.
The Senegalese player is the current season’s top scorer with 14 goals in 18 appearances.
Ba’s team went on to win the encounter 2-1, but his coach was more concerned about the well-being of his star striker, worrying that the shock injury may be career-threatening.
Referring to the injury, Shenhua coach Gregorio Manzano told the media after the game: ‘It could end his professional career. I would rather lose the game than lose Ba.’
Former club Chelsea tweeted their support for the player too:
All at Chelsea FC send our best wishes to former striker @dembabafoot. Get well soon Demba.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 17, 2016
TRUE Africa wishes Demba Ba a speedy recovery and return to the game.