Liverpool have opened an investigation into how the Galatasaray winger Noa Lang lacerated his thumb after colliding with an advertising hoarding during their defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night.
In a freak accident during the second half the substitute ran into the advertising hoardings where, in an attempt to stay upright, his thumb became jammed between the two panels which then shut tight. The end of his right thumb was severed.
The 26-year-old was clearly in distress and was consoled by his international team-mate Virgil van Dijk during a lengthy stoppage before being taken off on a stretcher. On Thursday morning he posted a photo from a hospital in Liverpool on social media, with the caption: “Surgery went well! Thanks for all the messages.”
Lang shared a photo from his hospital bed with two nursesx/Noa Lang
As well as Liverpool exploring how the injury occurred, Galatasaray’s general secretary Eray Yazgan said that the Turkish club would consider a legal case with Uefa, seeking compensation for Lang’s salary as a result of any games he might miss.
“After the match, we lodged a complaint with Uefa representatives regarding the matter,” Yazgan told the Turkish outlet HTSport. “They conducted their investigation.
“Uefa will evaluate the issue. We are consulting with lawyers. We will submit our compensation claim to Uefa. We will request that our grievances regarding salaries be addressed. If our request is not met, a lawsuit may be filed. Our priority is the health of our players.”
Lang went off on a stretcher…Martin Rickett/PA Wire
… and required oxygen immediately after the accidentCarl Recine/Getty Images
On the final whistle, Liverpool ground staff and officials were seen inspecting the hoardings in an attempt to piece together the incident.
Meanwhile the Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said Liverpool’s quarter-final opponents, Paris Saint-Germain, will not be happy at the prospect of playing them.
“If you get to the late stages of the Champions League, you know one thing for sure is you are going to face PSG because they are an incredible team,” Slot said. “We had difficult games against them last season, here at Anfield it was a fantastic game [PSG knocked them out on penalties] the best game I have managed in my career, how football should be played, both teams just trying to entertain the fans.
Paul Joyce’s match report
“We were the only team that brought them to extra-time and penalties. But they have shown this season they have not dropped their standards. It was hardly possible for them to improve but they’ve been very impressive until now.
“But we showed tonight we can perform at the levels we were at last season and that gives me confidence. I don’t think they will be that happy to play for us after seeing our performance tonight.”