Ghana’s Atsu Found Safe, But Not Sound

Former Black Stars wideman Christian Atsu is said to have been found alive after being pulled from building rubble in Turkey, and reportedly rushed to the hospital after injuries on his right foot, coupled with breathing difficulties.

The 31-year-old was reported missing after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Turkey and northern Syria in the early hours of Monday.

A second quake struck hours later, with the death toll well into thousands and continuing to rise with each passing hour. Rescue operations were underway across each of the affected countries, with international aid teams deployed. The first quake could be felt in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel.

Atsu and a number of his Hatayspor team-mates and staff were unaccounted for when their building collapsed in Antakya. Thankfully the former Magpies star was pulled from the rubble and is recovering in hospital.

Confirmation came via Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat, who revealed Atsu has been taken to be treated for his injuries. “Christian Atsu was removed injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble,” he told Radyo Gol.. “We are coming towards the end of the most dangerous hours.”