Cesena Goalkeeper Klinsmann Fractures Cervical Vertebra

Palermo, Italy – Goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, the 29-year-old son of former Germany and United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann, suffered a fractured first cervical vertebra during a Serie B match on Saturday, ending his season with Italian club Cesena.

The injury occurred in added time of Cesena's 2-0 loss to Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Sicily. Klinsmann, Cesena's first-choice goalkeeper, rushed out to claim a long ball when he collided with Palermo defender Filippo Ranocchia. Ranocchia's trailing leg struck Klinsmann as he went through on goal, leaving the American sprawled on the pitch. Medical staff attended to him for several minutes amid concern from teammates and a quiet crowd before he was stretchered off wearing a neck brace.

Cesena confirmed that Klinsmann was transported by ambulance to the Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia Cervello hospital in Palermo, where initial tests also revealed a lacerated contusion to the back of his head. The club stated that he spent the night under observation and is scheduled for further examinations, including a consultation with a specialist neurosurgeon. His agent, Marco De Marchi, told reporters that recovery will be a lengthy...