PORTO star Victor Froholdt was rushed to hospital after being knocked unconscious.
The Danish midfielder was struck heavily in the head during the Liga Portugal clash against Moreirense.
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Froholdt, 20, has been targeted by both Arsenal and Manchester United recently.
Premier League rivals Newcastle have also been linked with an interest in the promising star as a replacement for Bruno Guimaraes.
Despite the transfer window shutting earlier in the week, he would have remained a potential target in the future.
At the moment, the Porto star will be focused on recovering from his shock injury on Friday evening.
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The incident occurred in the 85th minute of the clash at the Estadio do Dragao.
Froholdt was caught in the head by a loose elbow from Moreirense midfielder Guilherme Liberato.
He fell to the ground after the blow and lay motionless on the pitch.
His team-mate and former Southampton star Jan Bednarek was the first to the scene to help.
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His quick thinking saw him roll Froholdt into the recovery position before players formed a circle around him to block the TV cameras.
Players could then be seen shedding tears over their concern for the Porto ace.
Froholdt received treatment on the pitch for several minutes before being carried off on a stretcher,
Fans paid tribute to the star as he was applauded off before being taken to hospital.
He was confirmed to have suffered a concussion but will reportedly remain in hospital until Sunday for observation.
Porto boss Francesco Farioli revealed that the star was conscious despite the “scary” scenes.
He said: “He’s in the hospital undergoing tests, but he seems fine. He’s conscious. The news is positive.
“The images are shocking, we were very scared, but he tested positive and will be examined. It seems it was just a scare. We’ll see tomorrow.”
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Porto also released a statement giving fans an update on Froholdt’s condition in the early hours of Saturday morning.
It read: “We inform that athlete Victor Froholdt is doing well and without any anomalies in the exams performed.
“However, given the concussion suffered, the athlete will remain under observation in the hospital and will be discharged tomorrow morning.”
Liberato also took to social media after the clash and insisted that he did not intend to hurt Froholdt and issued a sincere apology.
He had been sent off by the referee for the challenge and consoled by players from both sides on the pitch.
He wrote: “Victor, I wanted to sincerely apologise for the head clash during the game.
“I was very sad to see you leave on a stretcher and I sincerely hope you are well.
“I want you to know that I never intended to be disloyal or to hurt you. It was a play in the game, but that doesn’t lessen my regret for what happened.
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“I know these are difficult times, and I hope you haven’t suffered any lasting consequences.
“I wish you strength and a speedy recovery. I hope to see you back on the field soon. A hug, brother.”