Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was knocked unconscious during Chelsea’s clash with Southampton after Southampton player Sekou Mara attempted an overhead kick but booted the defender in the face.

Azpilicueta received 10 minutes of medical care on the pitch before being escorted off on a stretcher and taken to hospital to be examined by the doctors. 

The 33 year old Chelsea captain was eventually discharged and pictured back at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking about the incident, Azpilicueta said: “I’m feeling okay. Great to be back after being discharged from the hospital and coming to say hello and watch training.

“It was scary. Mostly for the people around and for my family. You know, the last thing I could remember was when the corner was going to be kicked.”

He went on to add: “The first thing when I woke up was when the fans were signing my name. So I would like to say thank you.’

“Yeah it was instinct. You know, as I said the first time I remember to be awake and, you know, to hear the name and to clap them as well, you know, the moment.

“We are going through a difficult moment. So it’s very important to stick together and, you know, the situation that I was in, you know, to say thank you and hopefully I can see them in different situation.

“Well, now couple of days to recover well and then start progressively work my way onto the pitch. So, we have to take it step by step.”