Christian Gentner: Doctor saves Stuttgart captain’s life on the pitch after breaking multiple bones in his face
The German midfielder was left unconscious and convulsing on the pitch after a nasty clash with the Wolfsburg keeper
RAYMOND BEST'S quick intervention has been credited for saving Christian Gentner's life during a Bundesliga match up between Stuttgart and Wolfsburg on Saturday, according to reports.
The midfielder jumped for a header but was struck in the face by Koen Casteels' knee as he came out to clear the ball.
But the fast thinking of the team doctor prevented a tragedy and the 32-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.
After lengthy treatment on the pitch, Gentner was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital.
The Stuttgart captain will undergo an operation to fix fractures he suffered to his eye socket, his nose and upper jaw.
Stuttgart's sporting director Michael Reschke described the incident as a "cruel blow" for Gentner and wished him a speedy recovery.
Reschke added: "We will give Christian all the time he needs to get fully fit again. We are delighted that we will have our captain back on board again.
"Christian is enormously important for us, both on as well as off the pitch."
His teammates posted a picture on twitter holding up his shirt with the caption: "We are behind you Gente! The whole team wishes Captain Christian Gentner a good and fast recovery."