A former Liverpool FC player was hospitalized after a terrifying collision with a teammate during a match. As Nottingham Forest secured a 3-1 victory over Brighton and escaped the relegation zone, they experienced a troubling moment on Wednesday. Neco Williams, their full-back, had a severe head collision with teammate Brennan Johnson during the game, prompting Forest's medical staff to rush to Williams' aid on the field.
The incident
The 64th minute saw the Welsh defender receiving extended treatment before being carried off the field on a stretcher. At the time of Williams' exit, the score was tied at 1-1. Forest midfielder Danilo scored his first goal for the club, putting them ahead just a few minutes later. An injury-time penalty from England's Morgan Gibbs-White secured the 3-1 home win.
Cheikhou Kouyate replaced Williams, and it was later revealed that the Forest defender was being treated for a concussion.
After the impressive victory, Forest manager Steve Cooper confirmed that Williams had been taken to the hospital. "I had a look when he came off and I saw blood. So fingers crossed it is not too bad, his health comes first regardless of results," Cooper stated.
Supportive fans sent numerous positive messages to the 22-year-old defender following the incident.
Williams' football journey began when he joined Liverpool's academy at the age of six. He excelled through the youth ranks, representing the club at the U18, U19, and U23 levels, as well as in the UEFA Youth League. He made it to the first team during the 2019-20 season, when he was part of the Liverpool squad that claimed their first Premier League title and won the Club World Cup in Qatar.
In the summer of 2022, Williams left Jurgen Klopp's team and joined Nottingham Forest. When Forest visited Merseyside last Saturday, Williams scored for his new team, but they ultimately lost 3-2.
Williams still maintains a strong bond with his former boss, Klopp. In a video on Liverpool's YouTube channel after their victory over Forest, Williams was seen waiting for Klopp in the tunnel. The two shared a hug and exchanged words, with Williams smiling as he caught up with the former Borussia Dortmund head coach.
Mounting injury problems at Nottingham Forest
Meanwhile, Forest's victory over Brighton marked their first Premier League win in 12 games. However, it came at a high price, as the club already had 12 players sidelined with injuries. On Wednesday, just 14 minutes into the first half, Forest also lost Senegalese center-back Moussa Niakhaté to a hamstring injury.
Regarding the injuries and looking forward to their game against Brentford on Saturday, Cooper said, "It is a good win. I'm over the moon and so pleased for the players and fans... We have to believe. We are in control of our destiny."
Currently in 17th place in the Premier League, Forest is playing in the top tier for the first time since the 1998-99 season. They are just one point away from the relegation zone and hope to avoid returning to The Championship.
