Olympiakos striker Michael Olaitan is in a “very good condition” in hospital after collapsing during Sunday's Athens derby against Panathinaikos.
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caption:Michael Olaitan collapsed in the first half of the Athens derby.
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Olaitan, 21, who featured in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Manchester United last week, collapsed in the first half of his side’s 3-0 loss to their city rivals.
The Nigerian regained consciousness before being taken to hospital for tests and club doctor Christos Theos now believes a viral infection was to blame.
Theos told sport.gr: “Olaitan is in a very good condition. His heart function is fine. He has been subjected to complete and detailed laboratory tests and imaging tests. We have documented a full pathology. Perhaps the main reason was a viral infection that has been plaguing the player.”
Earlier in the match, Panathinaikos coach Yannis Anastasiou fell to the ground after being hit by an object thrown from the crowd at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Olympiakos boss Michel revealed his players and staff were unable to concentrate properly for the remainder of the match due to their concern for Olaitan.
On Sunday he told the club’s official website: “At first we were shocked and we were also scared about the incident with Michael. It was a very unpleasant situation. It was a critical moment, when we saw him leaving with the stretcher and we had no news from the hospital for some time.
“Right now it seems that the situation has stabilised, but they must do several tests because it was fainting and they need to find the cause.”
Several players -- including Marc-Vivien Foe of Manchester City, Daniel Jarque of Espanyol and Livorno's Pierpaolo Morosini -- have died after collapsing during games in recent years.
In March 2012, Fabrice Muamba suffered a heart attack during Bolton's FA Cup match at Tottenham. He made a full recovery but announced his retirement from football five months later.