Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar has received a medical diagnosis of vasovagal syncope following his sudden collapse during a training session with Brazilian club Sao Paulo this week.
Hospital Admission and Diagnosis
The 34-year-old footballer was rushed to Einstein Israelite Hospital on Tuesday after fainting at the club's SuperCT training facility. Medical specialists conducted extensive tests, including controlled procedures to monitor blood pressure and heart rate responses, before confirming the diagnosis.
In an official statement, Sao Paulo confirmed their player's condition and outlined the ongoing medical plan. "Midfielder Oscar remains hospitalized at the Einstein Hospital Israelita, where he was admitted on Tuesday afternoon after presenting an incident with cardiological changes during tests carried out at SuperCT," the club stated.
The club emphasised that Oscar remains clinically well and stable while being treated in a cardiology unit. He is scheduled to undergo an electrophysiological study this Friday as part of his continued medical assessment.
Understanding Vasovagal Syncope
Brazilian medical experts quoted in Globo newspaper explained that vasovagal syncope can be managed effectively with medication or a minor surgical procedure. The treatment involves cauterising a node responsible for sudden drops in blood pressure that can lead to fainting episodes.
Specialists maintain that the condition is not considered life-threatening when properly managed. However, the diagnosis follows reports that Oscar had been taking medication for a heart condition since August this year.
Career Considerations and Family Influence
The health scare has prompted serious discussions about the Brazilian midfielder's future in professional football. According to Brazilian media reports, Oscar's family have urged him to prioritise his long-term wellbeing as he considers his options following the collapse.
Multiple outlets in Brazil have indicated that the former Chelsea star is contemplating retirement. Sao Paulo are reportedly open to terminating his contract amicably if he decides to end his playing career for health reasons.
Oscar had only returned to his boyhood club last December following an eight-year spell with Shanghai Port in China, where he earned approximately £150 million during the Chinese Super League's peak spending period.
His second stint with Sao Paulo has been hampered by injuries and previous health concerns. The midfielder has appeared in just 21 matches since his return, with his last appearance in August against Corinthians ending prematurely when he suffered a fractured vertebrae after only 20 minutes of play.
During his prime, Oscar established himself as one of Brazil's most prominent football exports, scoring 38 goals in 203 appearances for Chelsea between 2012 and 2016 before his high-profile transfer to China.
The footballer, who shares two children - Julia and Caio - with his wife Ludmila Emboaba, is understood to be considering spending more time with his family regardless of his career decisions.
On Wednesday, Oscar took to Instagram to reassure concerned fans, posting: "Thank you so much for the messages and prayers. Everything will be fine, God willing."
