Bordeaux forward and Honduran international Alberth Elis has woken up and is “gradually recovering” from a serious head injury, his family have said.
Elis, 28, was involved in a clash of heads with Guingamp defender Donatien Gomis in the opening stages of the side’s recent Ligue 2 match, which was paused for eight minutes as the forward was taken off the pitch following medical attention.
The former Houston Dynamo forward was then taken to the CHU Pellegrin hospital for further treatment which the club said on Sunday included surgery and Elis being placed into a protective coma.
On Wednesday, the footballer’s family said he was showing signs of recovery and had regained consciousness.
Communiqué de presse de la famille d’Alberth Elis / Comunicado de prensa de la familia de Alberth Elis pic.twitter.com/weFHgSqR27
— FC Girondins de Bordeaux (@girondins) February 28, 2024
“Victim of an accident last weekend, Alberth was hospitalized at the Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux,” the family statement read, in conjunction with Bordeaux.
“Placed in a protective artificial coma since then, we are happy to share the first encouraging signs: Alberth is awake and appears to be gradually recovering.
“However, we want to remain cautious about the evolution of his condition, and the next few days will be crucial.
“We want to thank you for your support, your words of encouragement, your prayers and we especially want to thank the medical teams for their care.
“Alberth is a fighter, we will keep you informed of his condition.”
Elis began his career with Honduran club Olimpia before spells in Mexico and MLS with Monterrey and Houston Dynamo respectively.
He joined Portuguese club Boavista in 2020, joining Bordeaux the following year — initially on loan — while also spending a loan stint at French club Brest.
Elis has been capped 60 times by Honduras, for whom he has scored 13 goals.
(THIBAUD MORITZ/AFP via Getty Images)
