Manchester United have issued a reassuring update on the condition of Sekou Kone, stating that he is "conscious, stable and communicating" after suffering a serious head injury during their National League Cup match at Tamworth. The game was abandoned before half-time due to the incident.
The U21 side were in action at the Lamb Ground on Wednesday night when Kone, a 19-year-old Mali youth international, sustained a severe injury following a clash of heads with an opponent in his own box. This resulted in Kone receiving on-pitch treatment for approximately 15 minutes.
Kone had to be stretchered off the pitch with a mask placed over his face, leading to the announcement that the match had been called off.
Initially, the game was merely suspended, but it was later completely abandoned. Reports indicated that the teams were waiting for a replacement ambulance to arrive at the stadium before play could resume.
However, Manchester United provided a positive update, stating: "We can confirm Sekou is conscious, stable and communicating with United's medical team. He has been taken to hospital, as a precaution, for further checks. Everybody at the club wishes him a speedy recovery."
Tamworth also released a statement via their social media account, saying: "Due to the medical situation, we are forced to abandon tonight's fixture, details will be revealed in due course. We would like to wish safe travels to all the Man United fans, staff and players. We especially wish Sékou Koné a speedy recovery."
Kone, who was signed from Malian club Guidars FC for a fee of around £1million last year, was part of the United squad that jetted off to the United States for their pre-season tour.
The youngster was accompanied by goalkeepers Dermot Mee and Will Murdock, defenders Tyler Fredricson and Ayden Heaven, midfielders Toby Collyer and Jack Fletcher, and forwards Bendito Mantato, Chido Obi and Ethan Williams.
Despite not yet making an appearance in a competitive match for the United senior team, Kone has had some game time, coming on as a substitute against ASEAN All Stars and Hong Kong.
Ruben Amorim has previously named Kone on the bench - including in the Premier League clash with Tottenham in February and subsequently against Everton. It's believed that United are keen on arranging a loan deal for the young player to aid his progression.
United will kick off their Premier League season this Sunday against Arsenal at Old Trafford.