Athletic Bilbao 'keeper hospitalised after head injury

Madrid - Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Alejandro Remiro was rushed to hospital Wednesday after suffering a head injury when he was struck by a ball in training.

The club said Remiro, 21, was conscious and teammate Benat Extebarria told reporters the incident had thankfully just been a "scare."

"Traumatic head injury (suffered) in the course of training today Wednesday, March 15," Bilbao said in a statement.

"He is conscious and has been transferred to a health centre where additional tests will be carried out."

However, Extebarria said he believed Remiro had been taken to hospital as a precaution.

"The truth is that is was a big scare because it was powerful strike," he said.

"Luckily it was just a very strong blow and he is fine. He went to hospital so we can make sure, but I think he is fine."

The incident highlights the dangers faced by players from head injuries just two weeks after Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres was hospitalised by a sickening head clash with Deportivo la Coruna's Alex Bergantinos.

Remiro has yet to make his first team debut with Athletic, but has been capped at under-19 level by Spain.