 |
| Chris Basham of Sheffield United uses a Penthrox Inhaler, or a 'Green Whistle', for pain relief as he is treated for a nasty ankle injury during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on October 7, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. |
Sheffield United's Chris Basham says he is "devastated" by the severe lower-leg injury he suffered in his team's 3-1 loss at Fulham on Saturday.
The 35-year-old centre-back, who has undergone the first of two planned operations, sustained the injury to his standing leg as he attempted to cross in the first half.
Basham also thanked Fulham defender Tim Ream for the support he offered.
"[I] would like to thank the football world for their support," Basham said.
"[Thanks to] all my close friends and family, to Sheffield United for taking care of me and for their support in the process, [and to] Tim Ream for being there and putting football aside."
In the Instagram post, Basham added: "[I] had my first operation to clean things up and will have a second this week to make things right."
The Blades captain said he would provide further updates in coming weeks.
The Premier League match was stopped for more than 10 minutes while Basham received treatment, with Fulham's Ream the first person to offer support.
Among the messages of support from fellow footballers, Ream replied to Basham's Instagram post: "Thinking of you pal! Rest up and get right".
Basham was carried off the pitch on a stretcher to a standing ovation, as the away supporters chanted his name.
He responded by waving to the crowd and giving a thumbs-up before leaving the pitch in an ambulance.