The football world is anxiously awaiting news of Ghana player Christian Atsu after reports that he has been trapped in the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday.
The 31-year-old Ghana international winger, now playing for Turkish side Hatayspor, is reportedly missing along with the sporting director, Taner Savut, after club players and staff had been rescued from rubble, according to multiple reports in Turkey.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit south-east Turkey and northern Syria during the early hours of Monday morning, followed by a second of 7.5. Approximately 1,700 people are known to have died in the border region.
A post on Newcastle’s Twitter account said: “Praying for some positive news, @ChristianAtsu20.” Atsu spent five seasons at Newcastle, first joining on loan in 2016 from Chelsea and helping the club win promotion back to the Premier League.
Hatayspor are based in the city of Antakya in Turkey’s southern Hatay province, close to the border with Syria. Atsu played on Sunday, coming on as a substitute and scoring the winning goal in the home game against Kasimpasa.