Pape Souare: Crystal Palace defender rushed to hospital after M4 car crash

The 26-year-old is reported to have been airlifted from the site of the collision on Sunday

(2016 Getty Images)

Crystal Palace have confirmed defender Pape Souaré was rushed to hospital on Sunday after being involved in a car crash on the M4.

The 26-year-old is reported to have been airlifted to hospital with pictures of the scene appearing to reveal that emergency services were forced to cut open the roof on his vehicle.

“The club are liaising closely with the hospital on his progress,” the Premier League club said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Pape and his family at this time.”

Palace have revealed that Souaré suffered injuries to his thigh and jaw bone but neither are considered to be life threatening.

The Senegal international was not a part of the London club's squad who defeated Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon.

The Palace statement read: “Crystal Palace Football Club regret to confirm that Pape Souare was yesterday (Sunday) involved in a car accident and taken to hospital in London. The player has sustained injuries to his thigh and jaw bone and will remain in hospital whilst he receives treatment.

“The club are liaising closely with the hospital on his progress and we obviously wish him a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with Pape and his family at this time.”

Fire crews were called to the crash to cut the footballer free.

A spokesman for the brigade told the Evening Standard: "Crews used specialist cutting equipment to free the trapped man and he was removed to hospital by London Air Ambulance."