SANTIAGO: Universidad de Chile striker Juan Manuel Olivera is recovering

after he was knocked out during a match

and then the ambulance taking him to hospital crashed.

“It was a tragicomic situation,” team doctor Patrico Delgado said. “He was a bit shocked at first but he has taken it all with a dose of humour. He will have to rest for around a week and after that he can start training again.”

The Uruguayan striker’s misfortune began when he was knocked unconscious after a clash with rival goalkeeper Jorge Rivera in Thursday’s game to O’Higgins in Rancagua. Olivera, who has averaged nearly a goal a game this season for the Chilean champions, was taken to a nearby clinic for an exam, regaining consciousness on the way.

Doctors said the results of the exams were good but ordered him to be transferred to a Santiago hospital and spend the night there as a precaution.

But during the journey his ambulance collided with another vehicle. Media reports said nobody was hurt but Olivera had to wait around two hours for a substitute ambulance which was delayed by rush-hour traffic.