Millwall defender Zak Sturge was stretchered off the pitch and transported to a local hospital following a severe head injury sustained during his side's 3-1 Championship defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday.
The 21-year-old England Under-18 international, operating at left-back, was struck directly in the face by a forceful cross from Portsmouth midfielder Terry Devlin in the 37th minute. Delivered from just four yards away, the ball inflicted a jarring impact that violently snapped Sturge's head backward, prompting an immediate suspension of play as medical staff rushed to his aid.
Sturge received prompt on-field treatment before being carefully removed on a stretcher, with Joe Bryan entering as his replacement. The incident compounded Millwall's woes, as they were already trailing 1-0 and later reduced to 10 men when Bryan received a red card in the 67th minute for a late challenge on Callum Lang. Portsmouth capitalized on their numerical advantage, adding two further goals in the second half through Jordan Williams and an own goal by Millwall's Tristan Crama.
Post-match, Millwall head coach Alex Neil provided a cautious update on Sturge's condition, noting the potential for concussion protocols to apply if unconsciousness was involved, though he emphasized it did not appear to be a muscular issue. The club awaits further scans and assessments to determine the extent of the injury, which could sideline the promising former Chelsea youth product for upcoming fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton.
Portsmouth extended their sympathies via social media, posting: "Sending our best wishes to the Lions’ defender." Supporters from both clubs and across the EFL echoed the sentiment online, with messages of concern including "Best wishes," "Hope he’s good," and "Very unlucky."
Sturge, who joined Millwall permanently from Chelsea this summer after a successful loan spell, has emerged as a key figure in Alex Neil's squad. The Gloucestershire-born defender has featured prominently, contributing to every clean sheet in the Lions' campaign thus far and earning praise for his reliability at the back despite limited senior experience. His absence will test Millwall's depth during a grueling schedule of 11 league games in 43 days.
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