Uruguayan league put on hold as Nacional star Juan Izquierdo remains in intensive care after suffering cardiac arrest during Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo

The incident happened during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 clash between Sao Paulo and Nacional in Brazil last week. Izquierdo was rushed to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo after collapsing on the pitch, with Nacional later confirming the defender had suffered a cardiac arrhythmia. After that, the executive board of the First Division of the Uruguayan Football Association decided to put all domestic matches on hold, as reported by Relevo.

Nacional were supposed to play Montevideo-based club Liverpool in a Uruguayan Primera Division clash on Monday, however, that match, along with the fixtures throughout the rest of the week, have now been postponed. Izquierdo underwent fresh tests on Sunday and the player is showing "a progression of brain involvement and an increase in intracranial pressure" according to an official report from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

The full statement from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein on the player's condition read: "Admitted to hospital on August 22, 2024, at 8:55 p.m., patient Juan Manuel Izquierdo underwent new tests this Sunday, August 25. The evaluation showed a progression of brain involvement and an increase in intracranial pressure. Juan remains in neurological intensive care, dependent on mechanical ventilation."

The entire football fraternity and fans worldwide are praying that Izquierdo makes a full recovery. The 27-year-old has spent his entire club career to date in Uruguay, and joined Nacional on a free transfer in January after seeing his contract at Liverpool Montevideo expire.