Chippenham Town player to be fitted with "small heart monitor" after collapse

Defender Pablo Martinez collapsed during the club's match with Chelmsford last weekend

Pablo Martinez, pictured here playing for Bristol Rovers, has been told he will be able to play football again
Author: James DiamondPublished 19th Aug 2022
Last updated 19th Aug 2022

A Chippenham Town football player, who collapsed during a match against Chelmsford City last weekend (August 13) is going to be fitted with a small heart monitor, the club has confirmed.

Last Saturday's match was abandoned after defender Pablo Martinez collapsed in the centre circle 27 minutes into the first half.

Martinez had come through the academy at West Bromwich Albion but was released at the end of the 2019-20 season and joined Chippenham just last month, on July 15.

Shortly after last Saturday's incident the club confirmed Martinez had been stabilised and that his condition was not life threatening, and they have now issued a new update.

"The Club can announce that having undergone various hospital tests, we understand that Pablo is to be fitted with a small heart monitor following last Saturday’s incident," a Chippenham Town spokesperson said.

"The good news is that he has been told there is no reason why he should not play football again and, after surgery, there is an expectation he will be allowed home this weekend.

"On behalf of everyone connected with the Club and our supporters, we send Pablo our very best wishes and hope to see him around the Club soon."

Lots of people have shared messages of support online, with comments on the latest update calling the news "amazing" and "fabulous".

Chippenham, who play in the National League South, are due to face Worthing this weekend away from home.

Kick off on Saturday (August 20) is at 3pm.

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