Ferencváros, the reigning Hungarian league champions, are using a training camp in La Manga, spain, too prepare for the resumption of both their domestic and Europa league seasons. A Thursday amiable against Midtjylland was quickly overshadowed by a concerning injury to the Danish club’s winger, Paulinho, sustained during a collision early in the match. The incident prompted immediate medical attention and has cast a shadow over both teams’ preseason preparations as they gear up for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Ferencváros, the Hungarian league champion, is currently in Spain preparing for the spring season of both the Hungarian NB I and the Europa League. During their training camp in La Manga, the team suffered back-to-back defeats, falling 2-0 to Holstein Kiel of the German second division and 1-0 to Austrian side Rapid Wien.
Fotó: FOTO OLIMPIK / NurPhoto
Horrific Injury to Midtjylland’s Paulinho in Friendly Against Ferencváros
Thursday’s match against Midtjylland, a strong competitor in the Europa League group stage, brought a dramatic turn of events with a serious injury to one of their key players. The game saw Ferencváros, without Alex Tóth in the lineup, concede an early goal in the 15th minute when Denil Castillo found the back of the net for Midtjylland. However, the Hungarian side battled back, with newly signed center-back Mariano Gómez leveling the score with a header in the 90th minute.
The match was marred by a frightening incident in the 5th minute when Paulinho collided with Nagy Barnabás while battling for possession on the right flank. The Brazilian winger immediately fell to the ground outside the touchline, prompting immediate concern from players, the assistant referee, and the head official, who quickly called for medical assistance.
It was quickly determined that Paulinho had landed awkwardly on his left arm, and the Ferencváros team doctor assisted in providing initial care.
Reports from the scene indicate that Paulinho vocalized his distress, requesting that medical staff attempt to reset his dislocated elbow. After the elbow was addressed, he was substituted off the field and transported to a local hospital. While he was later released to return to the team’s accommodations, he is scheduled for further evaluation on Friday. Teammate Aral Simsir confirmed the severity of the injury, stating, “it looked terrible, it didn’t seem like his elbow was okay.”
Ferencváros, currently second in the Hungarian league table and already assured of advancing in the Europa League, is scheduled to return home on Monday. They will then face Panathinaikos on Thursday, followed by a league match against league-leading ETO FC next Sunday. Midtjylland will continue their Europa League campaign with an away match against Brann Bergen in Norway.
