The Premier League season got off to a shocking start on Saturday when Nottingham Forest’s Danilo suffered a gruesome injury just 10 minutes into their opener against Bournemouth.
The Brazilian midfielder clashed with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in a challenge for an aerial ball, landing awkwardly on his left foot and twisting his leg into an unnatural position.
Referee Michael Oliver immediately halted the game, and medical staff rushed onto the pitch to attend to Danilo. The severity of the injury was evident, and a protective screen was erected around him as he received treatment.
The reaction from the players on the field was telling, with some covering their mouths in horror and others looking on in shock. Danilo’s teammates, including Murillo, were visibly distressed, while Bournemouth duo Dango Ouattara and Alex Scott also looked shaken.
After a lengthy delay, Danilo was stretchered off the field, giving a thumbs up to the medics as he departed. Nottingham Forest’s official club account posted a message of support, saying “We’re all with you, Danilo.”
Nottingham Forest’s Danilo suffered a horrific injury in Saturday’s game against Bournemouth
Team-mate Murillo pictured (centre) covering his mouth while looking away after catching a close-up look of Danilo’s left leg
Bournemouth duo Dango Ouattara (left) and Alex Scott also looked shaken by Danilo’s injury
A protective screen was temporarily erected around Danilo as he received on-field treatment
Danilo eventually left the pitch on a stretcher after giving a thumbs up gesture towards medics
The injury occurred when Danilo landed awkwardly after a challenge with Antoine Semenyo