The Premier League match between Sheffield United and Fulham was subject to a long delay after Blades defender Chris Basham suffered a nasty injury in the first half

Paul Heckingbottom during Fulham v Sheffield United

Paul Heckingbottom has issued an update on Chris Basham

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom said Chris Basham is “where he needs to be” after the defender went down with a horror injury during the Blades’ Premier League defeat at Fulham.

Basham was rushed to hospital after the injury, which occurred during the first half. The veteran was given oxygen before being stretchered off the Craven Cottage pitch, with referee Samuel Barrott adding 14 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the opening 45.

Fulham claimed a 3-1 victory, with all four goals coming in the second half. After the match, though, all focus was on the wellbeing of long-serving Sheffield United man Basham.

“He’s where he needs to be, in hospital with the doctors and the medical team,” Heckingbottom said. “No-one wants to see that, ever, and when you’re involved in it and it’s one of your players it’s far far worse.

“I’ve been on a pitch with a teammate and involved when it’s someone else but when it’s one of your players its tough and you can see that with the players. No [diagnosis] but you guys have seen the pictures, it’s terrible, it’s horrific.

“We’ve lost a good player, had to made changes we didn’t want to change. We can’t blame that. It’s going to affect us and it’s going to affect us for the season. I don’t know what the next step will be, but he’s where he needs to be and that’s the most important thing. Everyone could see he needs to be in hospital.”

Fulham boss Marco Silva also sent his well-wishes. “It was a sad moment for Chris Basham that he had in that situation,” the Portuguese said.

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Chris Basham was rushed to hospital after his injury Chris Basham was rushed to hospital after his injury (

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GEORGE BECK/PPAUK/REX/Shutterstock)

“Myself and we as a football club wish him all the best and fast recovery from that bad injury that he had,” Silva continued. “We wish him all the best for the future. Of course he is going to have the support from the most important people for him; his family, friends and Sheffield United Football Club.”

On the pitch, Bobby Decordova-Reid put Fulham in front early in the second half, only for an Antonee Robinson own goal to bring Sheffield United level. United keeper Wes Foderingham then scored an own goal of his own, with Willian making the hosts’ victory safe late on.

The result leaves Sheffield United rock bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from eight matches. Their first two games after the international break will see them take on Manchester United at home and Arsenal away.

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