by Our Sports Desk

Belgian defender Gregory Mertens remained in hospital yesterday after collapsing during the early stages of a reserves match between Lokeren and Genk on Monday night.

The 24-year-old lost consciousness in the first half and was initially attended to by both the Lokeren and the Genk medical staff before he was transported to a Genk hospital, where he was being assesed overnight.

A statement on his club’s official website read: “During the reserves match between KRC Genk and KSC Lokeren, Gregory Mertens collapsed after 15 minutes.

“Our defender was immediately assisted by the medical team of Sporting Lokeren and KRC Genk. He was transferred to the hospital in Genk. Sporting Lokeren sympathises with the family and hopes for a positive outcome.”

Reports in Belgium said that Mertens suffered cardiac arrest and received CPR on the pitch, with the match going on to be abandoned.
The player remains in hospital and his condition is currently being assessed.

Mertens passed all the relevant pre-season health tests required by Europe’s football governing body Uefa and was judged to be one of the fittest players at the club, Lokeren said yesterday.

Club spokesman Herman Van de Putte said: “His condition is very critical. Gregory is in a medically induced coma, his heart function has been taken over by a machine.

“The fate of Gregory is in the hands of the hospital. We hope for a miracle.”

The club added on their Twitter account: “Sporting sympathises with family and friends of Gregory and hopes for a positive outcome.”

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also offered his suppport on social media.