Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta was forced to leave Chelsea’s clash with Southampton in a stretcher after sustaining a head injury that led to an eight minute stoppage.

Both medical teams were rushed on to the pitch with the players clearly distressed about the defender, who received oxygen as he left the pitch.

Reports in the Evening Standard claim he was conscious as he was taken off the pitch and was able to clap fans as the entire stadium gave him a standing ovation.