Manchester United have confirmed that Sekou Kone remains conscious and stable following the serious head injury he sustained during Wednesday evening's Under-21s fixture.
The 19-year-old midfielder is now able to communicate with the club's medical personnel, providing reassurance after distressing scenes at the Lamb Ground.
Medical staff have been monitoring his recovery since the incident, which occurred near the conclusion of the first half and ultimately resulted in the match being called off.
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Sekou Kone was stretchered off after a serious head injury in a friendly match
|YOUTUBE
The incident unfolded when Kone was involved in a forceful clash with an opposing player as the opening period drew to a close.
Although the midfielder initially regained his footing, he subsequently collapsed and required immediate medical attention.
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Treatment continued for approximately quarter of an hour before medical personnel transported him from the playing area using a stretcher.
United said in a statement: "We can confirm Sekou is conscious, stable and communicating with United’s medical team. He has been taken to hospital, as a precaution, for further checks. Everybody at the club wishes him a speedy recovery."
A statement on Tamworth’s social media account said: “Due to the medical situation, we are forced to abandon tonight’s fixture, details will be revealed in due course. We would like to wish safe travels to all the Man United fans, staff and players. We especially wish Sekou Kone a speedy recovery.”
Witnesses observed the Malian youngster holding a protective covering to his face whilst being taken through the tunnel.
The severity of the situation necessitated an ambulance to transport Kone to a nearby medical facility, leaving the venue without the required emergency vehicle on standby.
The young midfielder arrived at Old Trafford during the previous summer from Guidars FC in his native Mali.
Since then, he has featured in 14 matches for the Under-21 side and appears to be progressing towards a senior debut.
Kone has been included in Ruben Amorim's matchday squad on several occasions, suggesting his breakthrough into the first team could be imminent.
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Sekou Kone has impressed United coaches over pre-season
|PA
The teenager participated in both the post-season Asian tour and pre-season American tour, making a particularly strong impression during the former.
His development has caught the attention of supporters, many of whom expressed their concern and support through social media following Wednesday's troubling incident.
The match remained at a goalless stalemate when play was halted for Kone's treatment.
Officials initially suspended proceedings whilst awaiting a replacement emergency vehicle, as regulations mandate an ambulance must remain present throughout fixtures.
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Sekou Kone's injury led to the friendly being abandoned
|PA
With no substitute ambulance available, the referee had no alternative but to abandon the contest entirely.
Players and coaching staff from both sides were instructed to return to their changing facilities.
The abandonment marked an abrupt end to United's opening fixture in the National League Cup competition.
The focus immediately shifted from the sporting outcome to the wellbeing of the injured player, with supporters flooding social media platforms with messages of support.