Danny Welbeck given oxygen and stretchered off after suffering back injury

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck put his team in front against Newcastle United in the Premier League but his afternoon came to an early end in worrying circumstances

Brighton star Danny Welbeck was left needing oxygen after suffering a worrying-looking back injury during his team's Premier League match against Newcastle United

The former Manchester United and Arsenal star put his team in front against Newcastle at St James' Park. However, his afternoon came to an early end as he was stretchered off the pitch.

Welbeck was injured following a coming-together with Newcastle defender Fabian Schar. There didn't initially look to be all that much in the incident, but he was unable to continue.

The 33-year-old was seen in conversation with team-mates as he left the field on a stretcher. Brighton were able to hold on for victory despite losing their goalscorer, ending the day just outside the top four.

A number of football fans shared messages of support for Welbeck on social media following the incident. "Fingers crossed he's okay," wrote one, with another saying "get well soon".

Welbeck's goal earlier in the match was his fifth of the season. No Brighton player has more this term, while he's never scored more than six league goals in a single season for the Seagulls.

The 1-0 victory took Fabian Hurzeler's team up to 15 points from eight games, good enough for fifth spot after Saturday's action. Chelsea, the only team to beat Brighton so far this season, can climb back above them if they can avoid defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.

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