Robin Le Normand is helped by his teammates and Atletico doctors following his clash of heads
Atletico Madrid's Robin Le Normand has been out indefinitely after a violent head collision during Sunday's derby against Real Madrid left him with a traumatic brain injury.
The 27-year-old Spanish defender clashed with Real's Aurélien Tchouameni while contesting a corner at the Wanda Metropolitano, leading to immediate treatment on the pitch at the end of the match.
The severity of Le Normand's condition was initially uncertain until Atletico released a statement this afternoon revealing the diagnosis of a subdural hematoma, a type of brain hemorrhage.
Although no timetable for his return has been provided, it is expected that he will face a lengthy recovery period.
Robin Le Normand suffered head trauma after the collision
Atletico's announcement details: “Robin Le Normand suffered a serious blow to the head in the final minutes of the Madrid derby, for which he underwent a series of tests and was assessed by specialists who determined that he suffered from a head injury (TBI) with subdural hematoma.
“In the process of returning our player to competition, the guidelines set forth in the established protocol for this type of trauma will be followed.”
The derby itself ended in a 1-1 draw, with Angel Correa securing a point for Diego Simeone's side after Eder Militao had put Real ahead. The match also saw Atletico's Marcos Llorente receive a red card in the final moments.
The match was delayed for 15 minutes in the second half due to crowd disturbances, with Atletico ultras throwing objects – including feces – at goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian previously played for Atletico before transferring to Chelsea.
Robin Le Normand faces a significant period of absence
Atletico currently sit fourth in La Liga, having claimed four wins and an equal number of draws, five points behind leaders Barcelona, with Real Madrid in second, three points behind.
Simeone's side will make a brief trip across the Iberian Peninsula to face Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, following their first match of the campaign last month with a 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig at home.
On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid should travel to Lille. The reigning champions began their European campaign with a triumphant 3-1 victory over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1955959/Atletico-Madrid-Robin-Le-Normand-brain-injury