Former Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura was rushed to hospital after suffering a horror injury during Sao Paulo's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Mineiro on Wednesday. The 33-year-old Brazilian sustained blows to the face and ribs, leaving him struggling to breathe.
Moura came on as a substitute in the 60th minute but was forced off just 12 minutes later after a heavy challenge from Mineiro midfielder Tomas Cuello. Cuello's knee struck Moura in the face, and the ex-Spurs star also suffered two fractured ribs, Sao Paulo confirmed. He was stretchered off and replaced by Gonzalo Tapia.
Sao Paulo released a statement saying Moura underwent imaging exams at Hospital Mater Dei in Belo Horizonte, which diagnosed fractures in two ribs. The club added: 'The athlete is under evaluation at the hospital, awaiting clearance to return to the capital of Sao Paulo and continue treatment at Sao Paulo.'
Moura joined Sao Paulo in 2023 after leaving Tottenham upon the expiry of his contract. He spent five years in North London, earning cult hero status for his hat-trick against Ajax in the 2019 Champions League semi-final, which sent Spurs to the final. He has helped Sao Paulo enjoy a strong start to the season, with the team unbeaten in six games before Wednesday's defeat.
