Yahoo News New Barnabas Varga update emerges as Hungary striker to undergo surgery
Hungary defender Milos Kerkez has assured fans that Barnabas Varga will recover following his hospitalisation due to a horrific collision during Euro 2024.
Varga was stretchered off the field during the second half of Hungary's tense 1-0 victory over Scotland in Stuttgart on Sunday evening. The Hungarian forward suffered a clash with Scotland's goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who was attempting to clear the ball, resulting in Varga losing consciousness.
Team-mates quickly formed a shield around Varga while screens were erected to give medical personnel space to attend to him away from public view. Following an extended delay, which saw Hungary's captain Dominik Szoboszlai alongside the medical team play a crucial role, Kevin Csoboth scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute through a breakaway, knocking Scotland out of the competition.
READ MORE: BBC's Gabby Logan 'shocked' that replays shown of horror Barnabas Varga injury
The Hungarian squad dedicated their stirring win to Varga, who was by then stable and receiving treatment at a hospital in Stuttgart. Bournemouth's left-back Kerkez took to Instagram to express: "Proud of everyone and thankful for the support in the stadium and the country! Our brother will be alright because he is strong."
Roland Sallai, who was named man of the match, commented: "It was a terrible moment to see him like that. He'll have to go through a minor operation, but we cross our fingers for him that he can return. Naturally, it was a terrible incident. Of course, we were fighting for him in the remaining minutes and this win is dedicated to him," reports the Mirror.
Hungary's squad was deeply shaken by the injury sustained by their colleague during the match, yet they found the strength to secure their first points at Euro 2024, keeping their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout rounds as one of the top third-placed teams. Manager Marco Rossi shared his concerns about Varga in the aftermath.
"What I heard from the players is that Barney looked unconscious," he disclosed. "Everybody was really worried about his condition and worried that the doctors arrived a bit late. Probably they didn't realise it was a dangerous situation."
Rossi provided an update on Varga's health: "We can say now that Barney is not under any kind of risk. Probably, he will be operated on in the coming hours because he suffered a fracture here [points to cheek], but he's healthy. Of course, if we will go through the competition he will not be any more part of the team."
Following the incident, the Hungary FA released a statement confirming the player's stable condition: "Barnabas Varga's condition is stable! The player of Ferencvaros is currently in one of the hospitals in Stuttgart! We will inform you immediately if there is any news about its status!"
