Blackpool defender Jordon Brown was hospitalised after playing through a chest infection during the opening weekend of the season. The 25-year-old started the match against Wycombe Wanderers last weekend but was substituted off in the first half, appearing to struggle with a chest issue.
Manager Ian Evatt has now revealed the situation became more serious in the days after the game. Speaking ahead of the club's clash with Stockport County, Evatt said: "He's had a rough week. I don't really need to share too much of what happened post-game, but it was quite serious."
Infection caused reaction
Evatt explained that Brown had been suffering from a chest infection but continued to play through it. "A lot more serious than what it first looked when he came off. He'd been suffering with a chest infection, I had it as well a few weeks ago but he had continued to play through," he said.
"That infection had obviously caused some reaction, which left him hospitalised for a period."
Recovery and return timeline
The manager confirmed Brown has now been discharged and his test results are positive. "Thankfully he's out now, and all of the tests and scans he's had are clear, but now he's in the process of building himself back up again to be able to play," Evatt added.
"There's one or two more tests he needs to tick off, and he'll have those tomorrow (Saturday). Hopefully by the end of next week he'll be back available. It was pretty scary for a period."
Scary moment for family
Evatt also described how the situation escalated during the match itself. "While the game was happening it was quite serious, so we weren't privy to the information until after the game," he said.
"It was pretty scary for him and his family, first and foremost. And we must always put them to the forefront of our minds. But thankfully now he's recovering and he's out of hospital. Things are looking more positive."
