Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was promptly taken to hospital after the club`s triumphant FA Cup final match.
The defender had to be substituted approximately sixty minutes into the game following an incident where he was struck in the head by the ball.
Although the 24-year-old was able to participate in the trophy lift ceremony alongside club icon Joel Ward, he was subsequently transported by ambulance to hospital. Initial concerns, as reported by the BBC, suggested the possibility of a fractured eye socket. However, the current belief is that he suffered significant bruising and avoided a more serious injury.
Guehi`s departure from the pitch reportedly triggered a touchline altercation between Manchester City`s head of sports medicine, Max Sala, and Crystal Palace assistant manager Paddy McCarthy, which required intervention from security staff.
It remains uncertain whether Guehi will be fit to play in Crystal Palace`s final two Premier League fixtures against Wolves at home and Liverpool away.
Guehi was released from the hospital around midnight, meaning he missed the team`s celebratory party at BoxPark.
Marc Guehi was not the only Palace player who needed hospital assessment; midfielder Adam Wharton also received medical attention. Wharton was substituted in the 87th minute after being hit by a powerful shot from Kevin De Bruyne. He underwent concussion tests and was unable to join the team for the trophy presentation, although he shared a picture from the hospital on social media celebrating the win with the caption: “Apparently we won the FA Cup. Eaglessssssssss.”
Both players were absent from their teammates` lively celebrations with fans. Highlights of the party included goalkeeper Dean Henderson leading an explicit chant, Will Hughes enjoying a drink, and Jean-Philippe Mateta dancing.
Crystal Palace secured their first major trophy in their history with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley, courtesy of Eberechi Eze`s decisive goal. This landmark win also qualifies the Eagles for their first-ever season in a European competition.
