Former Arsenal starlet Jeff Reine-Adelaide was rushed to hospital following a shocking incident that saw him lying unconscious on the pitch for about 10 minutes during a Belgian league match between Molenbeek and Charleroi.

The terrifying event unfolded as Reine-Adelaide, who now plies his trade with Molenbeek, inadvertently had the ball smashed into his face from close quarters, leading him to instantly sink to the green grounds.

An apprehensive Molenbeek manager Yannick Ferrera conveyed his grave concern over the player potentially sustaining a severe cranium injury. Post-match, Ferrera explained: "Jeff was unconscious for about ten minutes. We fear a brain haemorrhage."

The midfielder has had stints at high-profile clubs in the past, including the likes of Arsenal, Lyon, Nice and Troyes. Lyon took to social media to extend their well wishes towards Reine-Adelaide by posting: "We wish you a speedy recovery, courage and strength to you."

In a welcome update for supporters, Reine-Adelaide has provided a hopeful status update via Instagram reassuring them: "Thanks for your messages of support, more fear than evil..

Reine-Adelaide played for Arsenal in a two-year spell stretching from 2016-18 and although he didn't manage to see Premier League action, he did feature in FA Cup and League Cup games dressed in Gunners' colours, reports the Daily Star.

Last September, the 26-year-old year old switched his loyalties to Molenbeek - a club newly promoted to the Belgian Pro League - from Lyon. The current season has seen Reine-Adelaide pulling the strings in midfield in 25 matches, while scoring twice.