Gregory Mertens: Belgian player in a critical condition after collapsing on the pitch

Mertens, 24, is in an induced coma in Genk

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Belgian footballer Gregory Mertens is in a critical condition after collapsing on the pitch with a heart-related illness on Monday night.

The 24-year-old was playing for Sporting Lokeren reserves against Genk when the defender collapsed. He was given CPR before being taken to hospital where he is now in an induced coma and on a life support machine.

"During the reserves match between KRC Genk and KSC Lokeren, Gregory Mertens collapsed after 15 minutes. Our defender was immediately assisted by the medical teams of Sporting Lokeren and KRC Genk. He was transferred to the hospital in Genk," read a club statement.

"His condition is very critical. Gregory is in a medically induced coma, his heart function has been taken over by a machine. The fate of Gregory is in the hands of the hospital. We hope for a miracle," a spokesman told sporza.be.

The club added on their Twitter account: "Sporting Lokeren sympathises with the family and hopes for a positive outcome."

The exact nature of Mertens' heart condition has yet to be established, but the club said that he had passed all pre-season health tests required by Uefa and was judged to be one of the fittest players at the club.

Mertens joined the club from Cercle Brugge in the summer and has made15 appearances so far this season.