Injuries are regular yet unfortunate occurrences in modern football, however, it’s unlikely that the one suffered by Nicolo Brighenti happens every day.
The 26-year-old Vicenza defender was hurt during the course of his side’s away clash to Virtus Lanciano after colliding with his own keeper, and was eventually forced to leave the pitch due to excruciating pain in his abdomen.
Brighenti was then rushed to hospital where it was discovered that the former Chievo man had a lacerated pancreas which required immediate surgery.
Vicenza team doctor Giovanni Ragazzi later confirmed to the media that the operation had been a success, though he remained astounded by such a ‘unique injury’, claiming it to be the first suffered by a footballer.
“Nicolo was taken to the hospital in Vicenza and initial scans just showed some blood, but not the full extent of the damage,” Ragazzi told Sky Sport Italia.
“However, further scans showed that he had cut open his pancreas, which is of course a very deep organ close to the spinal cord.
“So essentially, the goalkeeper’s knee crushed Brighenti’s pancreas against his spine.
“He went into surgery last night and came out this morning after a successful operation. We are tracking the situation, but a full prognosis can only be given in four or five days time.
“It is an extremely rare injury. I’ve been a medic for over 40 years and have no memory of patients with a lacerated pancreas. In fact I think he’s the first footballer in the world to suffer this.
“Hopefully he can return to the game and in theory he should be able to, we’ll see how long it takes.”
