Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero is taken to hospital for tests after struggling with breathing problems and needing on-pitch treatment before being replaced during his home debut against Alaves
- Sergio Aguero found himself struggling to breathe on Saturday evening
- The former Man City striker required help on the pitch from Barca’s medical staff
- Argentine striker was replaced by Philippe Coutinho just before half-time
- Barcelona management said Aguero has since been taken to hospital for testing
Sergio Aguero suffered breathing difficulties on his home debut for Barcelona and has since been whisked off to hospital for further tests.
The Argentine striker, who left Manchester City for Barcelona as a free agent in the summer, required medical attention shortly before half-time having complained of dizziness.
There was growing distress in the stadium in the 40th minute as Aguero lay flat on pitch, having gone down moments after he had his hand placed on his chest.
Sergio Aguero found himself struggling to breathe during Barcelona’s meeting with Alaves
The referee immediately signalled for medical help as Aguero complained of a breathing issue
Aguero left the field unaided but has been taken to hospital for some precautionary testing
Barca’s medical staff rushed on the pitch to assist Aguero and looked to place him on a stretcher, before he eventually got up and slowly walked off the pitch unaided.
The 33-year-old was then replaced by Philippe Coutinho and he has now gone on to hospital for some precautionary tests to understand why he found himself struggling to breathe.
Aguero’s condition is believed to have improved since but his heart-rate was reported to have been significantly higher than normal.
Barcelona’s caretaker coach Sergi Barjuan said after the game: ‘I was told he was feeling a bit dizzy.
There was real concern shown towards Aguero by his team-mates as he got back to his feet
‘I have just learned that he was taken to hospital and I can’t say much more until I know.’
Spanish television recovered images of Aguero showing signs of a muscle problem as early as the 18th minute.
Later in the first half he appeared to signal to the bench that he wanted to be taken off.
It was five minutes before half time when he went down and was treated on the pitch by Barcelona doctors.
With still no official statement from the club the unofficial verdict was that he was taken to hospital as a matter of protocol because of the nature of his complaint.
