Bulgaria football team bus in 'serious accident' as player rushed to hospital

The bus carrying the Bulgarian national football team was involved in a "serious traffic accident" on Saturday ahead of their Nations League clash against Georgia in Tblisi.

Bulgaria midfielder Todor Nedelev had to be taken to a local hospital where he was diagnosed with a craniocerebral trauma and had to undergo surgery.

Nedelev will now be supervised closely by the medical staff, while the rest of the players are said to have not suffered any injuries.

According to a report from Georgian media outlet Sportall, the collision occurred when the first bus had to brake abruptly and was subsequently hit by the second bus. Georgi Ivanov's Bulgarian side had travelled to Tbilisi ahead of their Nations League C Group 4 clash against Georgia - with the hosts five points clear at the top of the group.

A statement from the Bulgarian FA on Saturday read: "The Bulgarian national team suffered a serious traffic accident after their arrival in Tbilisi. On the way to the team hotel, the driver of the first of the two buses carrying our team lost control of the vehicle, causing a serious accident.

"After the collision, Todor Nedelev was taken to a local hospital. All other team members and staff of the Bulgarian national team are fine."

Nedelev, 29, currently plays for Bulgarian team Botev Plovdiv and has made 44 appearances for his national side. Arguably his best moment at international level came last year as he came on as a second half substitute to score twice against Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualification match in Sofia.

A follow up statement from the Bulgarian FA later added: "Todor Nedelev's operation after a serious road accident involving our national team in Tbilisi was a success. The midfielder suffered a head injury, which required surgery. Nedelev will remain under the supervision of the local medical teams, as well as the doctor of the national team.

"The Bulgarian Football Union and the headquarters of the national team express their deep gratitude to all the medical professionals, to the representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Georgia and, in particular, to Ms. Ralitsa Dimitrova, as well as to the entire leadership of the Georgian Football Federation."

Bulgaria have endured a difficult start to their Nations League campaign with a series of disappointing results, including a 5-2 reverse at home to Georgia and being held at home 1-1 by minnows Gibraltar. They are without a win in seven matches, including a 2-1 defeat against Qatar in a friendly in March.