Clubs from across Spanish football have rallied round Real Sociedad's Luca Sangalli after the club confirmed the youngster had been hospitalised due to a "mild stroke".
Sangalli, 23, has been one of the high points in a mixed start to the season for the Basque side.
The player has appeared in six Liga games since making his debut on August 31, scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-1 victory over regional rivals Athletic at San Mames to cap a brilliant performance.
But Real have now revealed that the midfielder, whose brother Marco also represented the club, required treatment for a serious medical condition.
"Luca Sangalli suffered this morning a mild stroke," the club explained in a short statement posted on their official website.
"He is currently housed in the Stroke Unit of Donostia University Hospital, pending the completion of tests and observation."
Sangalli had been expected to continue his run in the first team on Thursday, when Real take on Celta in the Copa del Rey.
He was later removed from the squad, however, with first reports indicating a bout of flu before his club went public with full consent from the player, as noted in the statement.
The news has been greeted with an outpouring of support from Real's Liga and Spanish colleagues, including a touching message from rivals Athletic posted on Twitter.
"Feel better Luca!" the Bilbao side wrote on their official account.
"We hope to see you soon on the pitch, even it means you hurting us again. Stay strong."
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