There are conflicting reports about the well-being of Christian Atsu, who was among those missing after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Turkey.
Hateyspor star and former Ghana international, along with sporting director Savut Taner, were among those buried in the rubble days after the disaster that killed at least 11,000 people in Turkey and Syria.
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Christian Atsu has not yet been found, according to the club doctor
Initially, his club’s vice-chairman, Mustafa Ozat, claimed he had been pulled from the wreckage, with the Ghana FA tweeting that the former Newcastle and Chelsea winger had been found.
However, Hateyspor club doctor Gurbey Kahveci has since insisted that was wrong.
He said: “When we heard that he was taken to Dortyol hospital, we mostly went to look, but he wasn’t there.
“At this time, we accept that Savut Taner and Christian Atsu have not been found. [on Monday night]Unfortunately.”
On Monday, Ozat claimed to have been found, but he was injured.
“Christian Atsu was injured. Our sporting director, Taner Savut, is unfortunately still under the rubble.
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Atsu has played for Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton
“Hatay was deeply affected. We are nearing the end of the most dangerous hours.
This adds to the already great confusion surrounding reporting on the earthquake, where both countries are still struggling to cope with the massive disaster.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the death toll had passed 11,000.
Hatayspor, who are based in the Kahramanmaras region, were particularly affected by the earthquake where two other players – Burak Oksuz and Bertug Yildirim – have since been recovered from the rubble.
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Atsu’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Two members of the technical team – Ekrem Eksioglu and Osman Ates – were also affected but have since recovered and are believed to be in good health.
Meanwhile, Hatayspor defender Kerim Alici has emerged from the rubble himself.
However, second division goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan sadly passed away at the age of 28.
Atsu joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 before being loaned out to Everton, Bournemouth, Vitesse, Malaga and Newcastle before joining the latter on a permanent deal in 2017.
The Ghanaian international had joined Hateyspor in September 2022 on a one-year contract with an option for another year.
