Cadiz defender Carlos Akapo showed off the gruesome injury he sustained following a tackle from Eden Hazard, in a photo that is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The incident occurred just past the 70-minute mark of the La Liga fixture between Cadiz and Real Madrid. Hazard went in for a bouncing ball, making firm contact with the Cadiz centre-back. The Belgian’s studs caught Akapo on the top of his foot, forcing him off injured.
As a result, the referee booked Eden Hazard – a decision that Carlos Akapo was not happy with. The defender later revealed that he had broken two metatarsal bones.
Sadly, this will likely leave Akapo on the sidelines for the next few months, meaning he cannot help Cadiz in their bid for La Liga survival.
Cadiz 1 – 1 Real Madrid
Real ringed the changes for their trip to relegation-threatened Cadiz, having already sealed their 35th La Liga crown on matchday 34.
Despite the squad rotation, Madrid took an early lead through Mariano Diaz. A stunning run from Champions League semi-final hero Rodrygo set up Diaz, who had an easy tap-in.
However, the hosts fought back to level the game before half-time. Eder Militao botched a headed clearance, which fell to Ruben Sobrino. The Spaniard capitalised on Madrid’s error, equalising with help from the crossbar.
Cadiz had the chance to take the lead just past the hour. Back-up Real keeper Andriy Lunin fouled former Man City striker Alvaro Negredo, gifting the home side a penalty. Sadly, Negredo could not capitalise on this golden opportunity. Lunin made up for his error with a smart save from Negredo’s spot-kick.
Despite 21 attempts at goal from Cadiz, the game finished all square.
The result maintained Real’s 12-point gap at the top of the table. In contrast, Cadiz are still gripped in a relegation battle. They need to better Mallorca’s result in the final matchday to stay up, as Mallorca hold the head-to-head advantage if they tie on points.
However, they will face bottom-side Alaves on the last day without defender Carlos Akapo.
Carlos Akapo shows off injury from Eden Hazard tackle
The Equatorial Guinea international posted a gruesome picture to social media to show off his wounds. Hazard drew blood from Akapo’s foot, which is also blackened with bruising.
Additionally, Akapo posted images from his x-ray, revealing the fractures in a couple of bones. Still irked by the decision to only give Eden Hazard a yellow card, Carlos Akapo gave a brief caption.
He used emoji showing a yellow square (card) and a disappointed face – signalling his annoyance at the refereeing.
Despite this, he still provided an update on his health.
“Thanks to those who were worried,” Akapo wrote on Twitter (translation via Marca). “I have broken the second and third metatarsal.
“Now it is time to recover and go all out next weekend.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty