Arsenal send heartfelt message to former player in coma with brain injury

Arsenal have extended their heartfelt wishes to former player Billy Vigar, who is currently in an induced coma following a severe head injury sustained during a recent match for Chichester City. The Gunners expressed their hopes for his "speedy recovery."

The 21-year-old was part of Arsenal's U21s squad until last year when he transferred to Hastings United on a free transfer. This summer, Vigar moved to Chichester and it was during a match against Wingate and Finchley last weekend that he suffered a dreadful head collision after crashing into a concrete wall while attempting to keep the ball in play.

The game was immediately halted and an ambulance was swiftly called to the scene. Arsenal have since publicly expressed their support for their former player. They posted on social media: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Billy. Everyone at Arsenal sends love and support to Billy and his loved ones at this difficult time."

Two days after the serious incident, his club provided an update on his condition via social media. They stated: "Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care receiving the best possible treatment.

"It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery ahead. Love from the whole of the CCFC family Billy."

Vigar never broke into Arsenal's first team, but he was a consistent performer for their Under-18s and Premier League 2 squads. During the 2021-22 U18s Premier League season, he netted four goals and provided two assists for the club's academy side.

He arrived at Arsenal in 2017 aged 14 and penned his maiden professional deal at the Emirates in July 2022. Vigar spent just one campaign featuring in Premier League 2 for the north London outfit and registered one assist across four outings.

He was subsequently sent on loan to Derby County U21s, where he turned out nine times. Numerous messages of support, particularly from fellow non-league clubs, have flooded in for the Chichester player.

Cray Valley FC posted: "Best wishes to Billy, our thoughts are with him."

Dulwich Hamlet FC also shared on their social media platform: "The thoughts of everyone at Champion Hill are with Billy, his family, his friends and everyone at Chichester City."

Brentwood Town FC additionally tweeted: "Our thoughts are with Billy and his family at this difficult and sensitive time. We're all wishing him strength and a full recovery. From all of us at Brentwood Town FC."