EURO 2020: Russia defender Mario Fernandes hospitalised with a suspected spinal injury

Russia defender Mario Fernandes hospitalised with a suspected spinal injury after being carried off on a stretcher following a fall during their Euro 2020 clash with Finland

Russia defender Mario Fernandes was taken to the hospital with a suspected spinal injury after landing on his back during their Euro 2020 game against Finland on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian-born right back had jumped for a header and was unable to break his fall, causing him to land directly on his back. 

After a lengthy period of treatment on the field, Fernandes was carried off on a stretcher in the 26th minute of the game wearing a yellow support device on his head and neck.  

Russia's Mario Fernandes was taken to the hospital with a suspected spinal injury (above)

Russia’s Mario Fernandes was taken to the hospital with a suspected spinal injury (above)

He landed on his back during their game against Finland on Wednesday night (above)

He landed on his back during their game against Finland on Wednesday night (above)

The Russian team have said that Fernandes is suspected to have damaged part of his upper spine and was taken to the hospital for an examination.

The injury could add to personnel problems for Russia.

Veteran left back Yuri Zhirkov has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after injuring his thigh in the opening 3-0 loss to Belgium on Saturday. 

Defender Fyodor Kudryashov has yet to play after he was injured in a pre-tournament friendly. 

While winger Andrey Mostovoy was replaced in the squad last week after testing positive for the coronavirus.

The Brazilian-born right back was carried off on a stretcher in the 26th minute of the game

The Brazilian-born right back was carried off on a stretcher in the 26th minute of the game

source: dailymail.co.uk