Coventry City have confirmed that Tatsuhiro Sakamoto suffered a serious back injury in Friday night’s 3-0 defeat by Preston North End, with the player ruled out for the rest of the season.
Midway through the first half, the Sky Blues winger went down hard after an aerial challenge with Andrew Hughes. He received treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and spending the night in the hospital.
The 27-year-old really had a back injury and is recovering at home, albeit with considerable pain. Initially, there were concerns that he might have shattered his pelvis.
Following Friday’s game, Mark Robins gave the following explanation of the incident: “It was the first header we had won, and it came from the smallest player on the pitch. And he was beaten. He was knocked around in that instant and landed hard on his back and hip. Even though it is obviously a major injury, all I can do is hope and pray that it is not. However, I’m hoping it’s not too bad.
After the 5-0 FA Cup fifth round victory over non-league Maidstone on Monday night, in which Ellis Simms celebrated his first goal by raising Sakamoto’s shirt, Robins gave an update, saying: “He will miss the remainder of the season.” He’s hurting his back.
“I won’t go into great detail because it is a private subject; after I have spoken with Tatsu, I will chat with you later. But in the end, he needs to heal from a serious back injury.
He received scans and is already home after leaving the hospital. Tonight he underwent another scan, and the results are not good. He will heal, but it will require some time. Unfortunately, he’s in a lot of pain, so perhaps it will pass soon.
“There is no doubt that he needs a break, even though he has been excellent, as English football players aren’t accustomed to playing every five minutes. one added to the fact that he was wailing for a break and I was unable to provide one. Your judgement may be clouded by exhaustion, if you are not thinking clearly.
“I’m really sad for him and really sad for us.”
When asked whether the club had filed a complaint with the football authority, he responded, “No, I don’t think he even spoke to the referee; he didn’t deal with it on the night.” However, it was one of those where you have nothing to feel if the opposing player makes a “back” against you when you go for a header, and if you are off balance, as he was, you land on your hip and are unable to put your hands down. It’s not ideal that he took all the power via his back and hip.”
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