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Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was involved in a worrying incident on Wednesday evening when he collapsed during the pre-match warm-up ahead of his side’s Ligue 1 meeting with Lille. The Russia international needed immediate medical attention after a heavy collision left him on the ground.

Paris Saint-Germain’s build-up to an important Ligue 1 contest against Lille was disrupted on Wednesday after Matvey Safonov went down during the warm-up before kick-off. The incident happened while the starting XI were going through their final drills on the pitch, sparking major concern among the coaching staff and supporters.

Early information from the stadium suggested the collapse was not caused by a sudden medical episode, but by a physical blow. Reports from Foot Mercato said the Russian goalkeeper had collided with his goalkeeping coach during a routine exercise.

The episode was described by those present as especially alarming, with Safonov not getting back up straight away. Eyewitness accounts pointed to the tension around the ground as the PSG squad looked on.

One observer underlined how serious the moment appeared, saying Matvey Safonov had taken a huge hit during PSG’s pre-match warm-up while voicing concern over the player’s immediate condition.

In spite of the frightening nature of the incident, the medical staff did not instantly rule him out of the game. Instead, they continued assessing him in the dressing room to establish whether he had suffered concussion or any other injury that would stop him from playing.

While Safonov was being treated, the PSG technical staff had to move swiftly in case a late alteration to the line-up became necessary. Luis Enrique and his assistants were seen discussing the matter near the touchline as kick-off drew closer. Because there was uncertainty over Safonov’s fitness, the substitute goalkeepers had to speed up their own preparations.

The impact of the incident was felt across the warm-up, with other players repeatedly glancing towards the medical area. Other goalkeepers, including Lucas Chevalier, increased the intensity of their warm-up so they would be ready to go onto the pitch if Safonov was declared unfit. In the end, those fears eased as Safonov recovered in time and started the match as usual.