Cesena goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann fractures neck in Serie B match
Cesena goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann has suffered a fractured neck and head laceration following a severe collision during a Serie B match against Palermo.
The 29-year-old was taken off the pitch by ambulance in the closing stages of the weekend fixture.
Following medical tests in hospital, the Italian club confirmed the American international sustained a fracture to his first cervical vertebra alongside a head contusion.
‘A long road to recovery’
“The road to recovery will be a long one.”
Those were the worrying words of his agent, Marco De Marchi, who provided an update to reporters following the incident.
Cesena manager Ashley Cole initially stated the shot-stopper was being assessed by medical staff after suffering a significant cut to the back of his head.
Impact on Cesena’s campaign
This serious injury means the Bianconeri will have to navigate the remainder of their season without their first-choice goalkeeper.
Cole’s side currently sit eighth in the Italian second tier with just three games left to play.
The former England and Chelsea defender only took charge last month and has recorded a single victory in his five matches at the helm.
Journey from MLS to Italy
The son of German football legend Jurgen Klinsmann arrived in Italy on a free transfer in 2024 after a two-year spell with Los Angeles Galaxy.
Since establishing himself in Europe, the former Hertha Berlin prospect has made 66 appearances across all competitions for his current employers.
His consistent club form earned him a maiden call-up to the senior United States national team squad last year under Mauricio Pochettino.
