Former U.S. Men's National Team boss Jurgen Klinsmann's son, Jonathan, who has previously been called up for the USMNT, suffered a fractured neck in a horrific collision while playing for Cesena. Klinsmann junior, 29, joined the Italian club in 2024 following a two-year spell with LA Galaxy.
He has established himself as a regular for the Serie B team since his arrival and was once again between the sticks as Cesena faced Palermo at the weekend.
However, his afternoon came to an abrupt end after a sickening collision resulted in him being stretchered off and rushed to hospital. Speaking following the 2-0 loss on Saturday, Cesena manager Ashley Cole said: "Klinsmann's condition? He was taken to hospital by ambulance," as per The Mirror.
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"He suffered a cut to the back of his head and is being looked after by the medical staff, who have reassured us about his general condition. We are awaiting updates once the medical checks are complete."
After undergoing further tests in hospital, it has been confirmed that Klinsmann sustained a fracture to his neck. A statement from Cesena read: "Following the in-game incident that occurred in the final moments of the Palermo FC-Cesena FC match, Jonathan Klinsmann sustained a lacerated contused wound to the head and a cervical trauma.
"The tests carried out have detected the presence of a fracture at the level of the first cervical vertebra, for which the Bianconeri goalkeeper will undergo further tests and a specialist neurosurgical consultation."
Meanwhile, Klinsmann's agent, Marco De Marchi, has delivered a concerning update. Speaking to reporters, he said: "The road to recovery will be a long one."
Klinsmann began his professional career with Hertha Berlin, though he managed just a single appearance for the German club before making the switch to Swiss side St Gallen. After only a year there, he headed Stateside to join LA Galaxy.
Klinsmann eventually signed for Cesena on a free transfer in 2024 and has accumulated a total of 66 appearances in all competitions for the Italian club. Having progressed through the USMNT youth ranks, he received his first senior call-up last year under former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino, yet still awaits his international debut.
Cesena must now navigate the remainder of the campaign without their number one goalkeeper. Cole's side currently occupies eighth place in Serie B with just three games of the season left to play.
The former Chelsea defender was only appointed as manager last month and has managed just one victory from his five games in charge thus far.