Honduran international footballer Alberth Elis on Wednesday emerged from the artificial coma in which he was placed at the weekend following a serious head injury, his family announced.
“We are happy to share with you the first encouraging signs: Alberth is waking up and seems to be gradually recovering,” his family said in a statement released by his French club Bordeaux on X.
“However, we wish to remain cautious about the evolution of his condition — the next few days will be crucial. Alberth is a fighter.”
Elis, 28, was injured after just 34 seconds when he clashed heads with Guingamp defender Donatien Gomis in a French second division match on Saturday.
After undergoing lengthy treatment on the pitch, he was stretchered off and transferred to a Bordeaux hospital where he was placed in “a protective artificial coma”.
He then underwent surgery overnight Saturday.
Since then, Elis received many messages from the world of football.
“We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, your words of encouragement and your prayers and we particularly thank the medical teams for their care,” said his family.
A Bordeaux club source said there were feelings of relief over Elis’s condition but added “we have no idea of the possible consequences at this stage”.
