Premier League Star's Wife in Hospital After Dramatic Car Crash
The wife of former Premier League footballer Nelson Semedo has been taken to hospital following a serious car crash in Turkey. Marlene Alvarenga was reportedly on her way to pick up her children from school when the incident occurred on the Northern Marmara Motorway, north of Istanbul.
Vehicle Flips Onto Its Side During School Run
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Alvarenga was not driving at the time of the accident. Reports indicate that the unnamed driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to flip onto its side. The car was seen overturned at the scene, though fortunately Alvarenga sustained only minor injuries.
Semedo, 32, rushed to his wife's side at the hospital immediately upon hearing news of the collision. The couple, who have a daughter and son together, were reunited at the medical facility where Alvarenga received treatment.
Fenerbahce Extends Support Following Accident
"We are saddened to learn of the traffic accident involving Marlene Semedo, the wife of our football player Nelson Semedo, and we send our best wishes to her and her family," his club Fenerbahce said in an official statement.
The Portugal international right-back joined the Turkish club on a free transfer last summer after five years with Wolverhampton Wanderers, signing a two-year contract. Semedo previously played for Barcelona before his Premier League stint at Molineux.
Semedo Currently Sidelined by Injury
The accident comes as Semedo himself is recovering from medial ligament damage sustained while playing for Fenerbahce. He was withdrawn just 20 minutes into a recent match against Antalyaspor, which ended in a draw.
Despite Semedo's absence, Domenico Tedesco's squad remain undefeated in the league after 24 matches, though they currently occupy second place, four points behind leaders Galatasaray.
European Campaign and Managerial Changes
Semedo has featured regularly for Fenerbahce in European competitions this season. The club was defeated by Benfica in the Champions League play-offs before reaching the Europa League knockout play-offs, where they lost 4-2 on aggregate to Nottingham Forest.
The footballer was originally brought to Turkey by then-manager Jose Mourinho during the summer transfer window. However, Mourinho was dismissed in August following the Champions League elimination, with Tedesco assuming control of the team.
Managerial Absence for Cup Fixture
In related club news, Fenerbahce have confirmed that manager Tedesco will be absent from this week's cup fixture against Gaziantep. The German boss is "undergoing treatment for a severe infection," according to a club statement.
Victory over Gaziantep would guarantee Fenerbahce's progression to the quarter-finals of the cup competition. The two teams are currently level following three group stage matches, with Gaziantep ahead on goals scored, though the two best third-placed sides will also advance to the next round.
