WHAT HAPPENED?
The 39-year-old veteran had to be taken off in the first half following a collision with Southampton defender Nathan Wood during a corner, causing an eight-minute delay as medical staff treated him on the pitch. Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale displayed remarkable sportsmanship, running the length of the pitch to check on Fabianski after the incident.
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Getty Images Sport THE BIGGER PICTURE
Fans at the stadium applauded Fabianski as he was stretchered off with an oxygen mask, a poignant moment that highlighted the gravity of the situation. During half-time, it was confirmed that Fabianski did not require hospitalisation. Remarkably, he returned to the West Ham bench later in the match, providing relief to team-mates, staff, and supporters.
WHAT JULEN LOPETEGUI SAID
Speaking after the game, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui shared encouraging news about Fabianski’s recovery.
“He had one big knock around the head, around the neck, and he was not very sure about his actions. Fortunately, the news is he is talking, he is alert, he is conscious,” Lopetegui said.
“I talked with him and the doctor said he was feeling well, or better. So I am positive about him and he showed he had more or less recovered his senses. When it happened, I was very afraid and feared the worst. We were worried. He had oxygen after getting a knock to the head and was not very sure about his actions. I hadn’t seen it. And he did not go to the hospital, not at the moment anyway.”
DID YOU KNOW?
While Fabianski’s immediate recovery is a relief, concussion protocols may force him to miss West Ham’s next few fixtures. These measures are in place to prioritise player safety, especially following head injuries.
Jarrod Bowen proved to be the hero of the day, scoring the game’s only goal just before the hour mark. His strike secured three vital points for the Hammers, boosting their chances of survival in the Premier League. The victory moved West Ham 11 points clear of the relegation zone, providing a crucial cushion as the season progresses. In contrast, Southampton’s struggles continued, as they remain anchored to the bottom of the table, six points adrift of safety after 18 games.
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WHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?
The Hammers face a tough schedule, starting with a home game against Liverpool on Sunday. They will then travel to Manchester City for a challenging encounter on January 4. Alphonse Areola will deputise should Fabianski be forced to miss any games.
