Danilo: Nottingham Forest star suffers horror injury on first day of new season

Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo suffered a horror injury just minutes into the club’s opening game of the new Premier League season against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Brazilian landed awfully after a routine aerial challenge with Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo with just seven minutes on the clock at the City Ground.

It quickly became apparent that Danilo had suffered a serious injury and the game was delayed for 10 minutes as he received lengthy treatment on the pitch, with blankets brought on by support staff and held up to offer privacy as he was treated.

He was eventually stretchered off to applause from around the stadium, with his left leg in a splint. Nottingham Forest tweeted: “We’re all with you, Danilo.”

After the game, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo revealed that the midfielder had suffered a broken ankle.

He went to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, where a fracture was confirmed by staff.

Nuno said: "It was a horrible moment for everybody, he is at the hospital now, we have just got the report of the doctor, still some exams, but he has broken his ankle.

"It is serious, we are going to miss him not only on the pitch, he is a wonderful boy. You know him, always smiling, always with this joy and wish him the best.

"I think he is leaving hospital just now and he is going to be assessed tomorrow and after tomorrow.

"It is serious but the good news is he is stable, he is speaking, he is aware so just needs time.

"I have no idea on the timeframe, I just wish it is short because he is a very important player for us."

Forest took the lead in the first half against Bournemouth through Chris Wood, with Dango Ouattara’s equaliser ruled out for offside against Lewis Cook following a VAR check. Ghana international Semenyo struck late to earn the Cherries a hard-fought point on opening day.