Defender was left fearing for future after horror injury

DANNY EAST feared he had broken his neck following his horror injury against Wycombe.
Danny East, centre. Picture: Joe PeplerDanny East, centre. Picture: Joe Pepler
Danny East, centre. Picture: Joe Pepler

But the Pompey defender tried to continue playing in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Fratton Park before being rushed to hospital.

East was left concerned for his future when initial X-rays showed a fractured neck, after he fell on his head following an aerial challenge.

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A further CT scan has shown that isn’t the case, however – much to the 21-year-old’s relief.

East said: ‘I’m a bit stiff!

‘But, thankfully, it’s not as bad as we first thought.

‘I jumped and their player backed into me, so it took my legs out and flipped me over and ended with me landing on my head and neck.

‘When I hit the floor I got a strong burning sensation down the back of my neck and shoulder.

‘It was lucky because I was telling people I wanted to come back on and getting quite angry about it!

‘I was fully conscious and I was telling them I was fine.

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‘When I got to hospital I was told I’d fractured it and that was what the X-rays showed. It was a good few hours from when I was told it was fractured until I got the CT scan results.

‘It was scary times. I thought I was going to be rushed into an operation immediately. But, thankfully, the CT scan showed things are pretty normal.’

Amazingly, East is refusing to rule out a return for next weekend’s clash against Newport County.

He said: ‘I’m wearing a neck brace at the moment and have to take it easy. I’ll rest over the weekend but I’m hoping to be back for the next game.

‘I’m not sure if the medical team will agree with me but I’m going to try!’