Arsenal issue heartfelt message as brain injury places former striker in a coma

Arsenal have extended their heartfelt wishes to former striker Billy Vigar, who is currently in an induced coma following a severe head injury.

The Gunners expressed their hopes for his "speedy recovery" after the 21 year old suffered a horrific collision during a recent match for Chichester City.

Vigar was part of Arsenal's U21s squad until last year when he transferred to Hastings United on a free transfer. He moved to Chichester this summer and it was during a match against Wingate and Finchley last weekend that he sustained the serious injury.

In an attempt to stop the ball from going out of play, Vigar collided with a concrete wall. The game was immediately halted and an ambulance was swiftly called to the scene.

Arsenal have since publicly expressed their support for their former player. They posted on social media: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Billy. Everyone at Arsenal sends love and support to Billy and his loved ones at this difficult time."

Two days after the incident, his club provided an update on his condition via social media. They stated: "Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care receiving the best possible treatment.

"It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery ahead. Love from the whole of the CCFC family Billy."

Vigar never featured in a senior match for Arsenal, but he was a consistent performer in their Under-18s and Premier League 2 squad. During the 2021-22 U18s Premier League season, he contributed four goals and two assists for the club's youth team.

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He arrived at Arsenal in 2017 aged 14 and penned his first professional deal at the Emirates in July 2022.

Vigar spent just one campaign playing Premier League 2 football for the north London outfit and registered one assist across four outings. He was subsequently sent on loan to Derby County U21s, where he featured nine times.

Numerous messages of support, particularly from fellow non-league clubs, have flooded in for the Chichester player. Cray Valley FC posted: "Best wishes to Billy, our thoughts are with him."

Dulwich Hamlet FC also shared on their social media platform: "The thoughts of everyone at Champion Hill are with Billy, his family, his friends and everyone at Chichester City."

Brentwood Town FC additionally tweeted: "Our thoughts are with Billy and his family at this difficult and sensitive time.

"We're all wishing him strength and a full recovery. From all of us at Brentwood Town FC."