Honduras’ Alberth Elis conscious after induced coma and surgery following scary head injury in Bordeaux game

Alberth Elis was rushed to the hospital last Saturday after suffering a serious head injury in FC Girondins de Bordeaux’s 1-0 win over EA Guingamp in Ligue 2. The Honduras international clashed heads with visiting defender Donatien Gomis early in the game which was paused for eight minutes as Elis was stretchered off at Matmut Atlantique.

Six-time Ligue 1 winners Bordeaux confirmed that the 28-year-old attacker had been taken to hospital immediately and Elis was later put into an induced coma state before being operated upon overnight in a successful surgical intervention at CHU Pellegrin.

“Alberth Elis suffered a significant head impact last night at the very start of the match in the 26th round of Ligue 2 BKT,” read Les Girondins’ update on the former Houston Dynamo and CF Monterrey man. “Supported by the medical team, he was quickly transferred to the CHU Pellegrin in Bordeaux where a surgical procedure was carried out during the night. 

“Alberth Elis suffered a head trauma which placed the player in a protective artificial coma. We will follow the evolution of his state of health in the hospital in the coming days.”

Elis’ family broke the silence regarding his status on Wednesday and issued the following update: “Victim of an accident last weekend, Alberth was taken care of at the CHU Pellegrin in Bordeaux. Placed in a protective artificial coma since then, we are happy to share with you the first encouraging signs: Alberth is conscious and seems to be gradually recovering. 

“However, we wish to remain cautious about the evolution of his condition — the next few days will be crucial. We would like to thank you for your support, words of encouragement and prayers and we especially thank the medical teams for their care. Alberth is a fighter, we will keep you informed of his condition soon.”

The former Boavista man has scored 15 goals from 60 appearances with Bordeaux and the Honduran also has 13 goals from 64 outings with La H.

Bordeaux head coach Albert Riera dedicated the 1-0 win over Guingamp to Elis and the club are not expected to issue an update on Elis’ condition until a more thorough assessment can be made post-operation.