JOHN’SMATES’ MAJORFEARS
discharged from hospital yesterday after suffering a major scare at the Madejski Stadium.
Fleck hit the deck in the 72nd minute with no one near him and needed more than 10 minutes of urgent medical attention.
The midfielder was stretchered off and taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital but Blades chiefs said he was conscious when he left the ground and had comprehensive tests before being allowed to return home yesterday to recuperate.
United won the match 1-0 but goalscorer Jayden Bogle admitted the squad were left shaken up by the incident, with memories still fresh of Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen collapsing on the pitch during the Euros.
The Inter Milan star recovered after being diagnosed with a heart issue. It is unknown what caused Fleck’s collapse.
Bogle insisted he is just relieved his Blades pal is back out of hospital after the side were left holding their breath in Berkshire.
He said: “Yes, you fear the worst definitely – especially when it happened so quickly.
“It is horrible when you see something like that happen on the pitch.
“The main thing is that he is OK and he is stable. You don’t expect things like that to happen.
“You just go out there expecting to play a normal football match.
“You don’t think about something like that going into games. But they can happen. It was hard to switch your focus back on to the game.
“Obviously you don’t want something like that to happen and after it did, you have to focus on the game and finish the game for him.”
Boss Slavisa Jokanovic admitted Fleck’s sudden collapse was traumatic for everyone but he’s hopeful the playmaker is already on the road to recovery with no lasting effects.
Jokanovic said: “The experience we all had was so dramatic and horrible, you hope that John will return as soon as possible in good shape and to his normal life, playing football like he did before.
“We send him the best regarding support to his friends and family.”
Sheffield United last night confirmed Fleck had been allowed to return home while Scotland squad stars such as skipper Andy Robertson posted their support for the star on social media.
The club said: “Sheffield United are grateful to report John Fleck has been discharged from hospital and will return to Sheffield.
“He was conscious when he was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and was communicative with club and medical personnel, as well as his family. After comprehensive medical examinations and staying in hospital overnight for observation, he has been allowed home.”