Lovenkrands hospitalised with breathing difficulties

Newcastle United winger Peter Lovenkrands was taken to hospital wearing breathing apparatus after suffering an injury during his side’s 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.

Lovenkrands, 29, was hurt in a collision with Chelsea’s Florent Malouda, who appeared to catch the Dane accidentally in the back with an elbow at St James’ Park. Lovenkrands received treatment on the pitch and then off it before being carried away on a stretcher. Newcastle manager Alan Shearer revealed after the match that Lovenkrands had experienced difficulty in breathing, but had been stabilised after being taken to hospital. Shearer said: “He got a very, very nasty knock on his back and he was actually struggling to breathe.

“They had to put the breathing apparatus on when he got into the dressing room. Thankfully, he went off to hospital and they have now stabilised him and hopefully, he will be okay.”