Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis visits stricken Olympiacos star in hospital after injury left him in tears

EVANGELOS MARINAKIS visited injured Olympiacos star Ayoub El Kaabi in hospital after the striker suffered a broken leg. El Kaabi, 33, was left in agony after suffering the injury during Olympiacos’ Greek Super League clash with Volos on Saturday. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis visited injured El Kaabi on his hospital bed El Kaabi had to be rushed to hospital after breaking his leg over the weekend Credit: X The Morocco international had been chasing towards goal late in the first half when Volos goalkeeper Marios Siampanis came off his line to challenge him. Siampanis threw himself in front of the striker and caught El Kaabi on the leg, leaving the Olympiacos star screaming in pain. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! El Kaabi immediately raised his arm to signal to the bench that he needed urgent medical attention before being stretchered from the pitch. Siampanis was visibly distressed by the incident and was seen covering his face with his gloves. El Kaabi was subsequently taken to hospital, with the injury initially feared to be potentially career-threatening. Marinakis, who is president of Olympiacos as well as owner of Premier League side Nottingham Forest, then visited his star striker at his bedside. The Greek businessman also shared a picture from the hospital on social media alongside an emotional message of support. Marinakis wrote: “Ayoub, wishing you a strong recovery and all the strength in the world! Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “You are strong, you are a winner, and I am certain that you will overcome this challenge as well. “The surgery went very well, and now the most important thing is your recovery, so that you can come back even stronger. “I want you to know that the entire Olympiacos family is by your side. “We will make sure you have the very best care at every stage of your recovery, and we will be there for anything you may need. “And one more thing: we want you to know that you are, and will always remain, a member of our family for as long as you want. Forever. “Stay strong and positive. Everything will be fine, and soon you will be back with us, stronger and always a winner!” El Kaabi has since confirmed that he has undergone surgery, with the procedure performed by an Olympiacos team doctor. The striker also took to Instagram to thank those who had supported him following the setback. El Kaabi played for Morocco at the World Cup and is a senior member of the team Credit: AP The Olympiacos striker is expected to miss a large parts of the season but Marinakis has said that he will be supported all the way Credit: Getty He wrote: “The procedure performed by our Olympiacos team doctor was successful. “I thank our president, the coach, the players, and the support staff for their support. “It means a great deal to me. “Thanks also to our amazing Olympiacos fans for every message and every prayer. “I could feel your love even from afar and am truly grateful for this blessing. “God willing, I will return stronger.” El Kaabi was a key figure for Olympiacos last season after finishing as the Greek top-flight’s Golden Boot winner. The experienced forward will now face a period of rehabilitation as he begins his recovery. Olympiacos are bidding to reclaim the Greek title this season after AEK Athens ended their reign last term. The club currently sit third after the opening three matches of the campaign, two points behind leaders Panetolikos. Comment now