A FOOTBALLER is recovering in hospital after being injured in a "very serious car accident" which left them needing emergency surgery. 

Benfleet FC suspended its match against Romford FC after the unnamed player was left injured following the crash on Thursday. 

The player, who had been on their way to training at the time, was left in intensive care before undergoing surgery. 

The club, which plays at the Woodside Stadium, said it was "extremely grateful" for the messages of support which had poured in since the incident. 

Following the incident, Benfleet FC’s game against Romford FC on August 10 had to be postponed. 

Thankfully, the player is on his way to recovery having undergone surgery. 

In a post on social media the club said the player was "now conscious and continuing to recover in hospital."

A club spokesman said: “One of our players was involved in a very serious car accident on the way to training on Thursday evening.  

“Following a period in intensive care he has undergone surgery and is now awake and in a stable condition.  

“We’re extremely grateful for all the messages and support across the non league football community, and hope he’ll be back home with his family soon.” 

In a statement issued on Friday the club thanked supporters for their “kind words”. 

It added: “Our thoughts are with the player’s friends and family at this difficult time.” 

Fans, from both Benfleet and rivals Romford, are continuing to send their recovery and well-wishes, saying it is “the most welcoming” and “best” news to hear.