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Valencia starlet Raul Albiol in Bike Crash |
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Valencia starlet Raul Albiol is in a "grave" condition in a Spanish hospital after being thrown from the back seat of a car and sustaining injuries which rendered him unconscious.
The 18-year-old midfielder was travelling with his father and his agent to Madrid, where he was due to sign a loan contract with Primera Liga newcomers Getafe, when their car was involved in an accident.
Nobody else in the car suffered major injuries, but Albiol had to be airlifted to hospital in Cuenca and was tested for neurological damage. He recovered consciousness later.
The examination found no evidence of damage to the young player's brain, but further injuries required surgery and Albiol remains in intensive care.
His spleen has been removed and a statement from the Hospital Virgen de la Luz said that Albiol "remains in the intensive care unit" and that he has been "stabilised, needing mechanical ventilation".
According to the hospital, "the continuing prognosis is grave".
Albiol is a Spain Under-19 international, who helped the age-group team win a European Championship title last month.
Speaking after hearing Albiol had not been killed instantly in the horror crash, the player's uncle, Jose Luis, said: "It's a miracle."
Just hours before embarking on his fateful journey, Albiol had spoken with relish about the chance of playing regular top-flight football with Getafe.
"I am young and I have to improve a lot," he said.
"But I am excited to get this chance to play in the Primera and I want to take advantage of it and reward the confidence that has been shown in me." |
