"King of Football Drogba's stunning header equalizes the score for Chelsea!"
The fans from Tang Country, watching this scene on screen, couldn't tell if they were happy or not!
After all, he was a legend they had followed since childhood, and seeing this moment brought back so many youthful memories.
It was just a shame he was on the opposing side!
With only a few minutes left in the match, and no one else stepping up, the score remained unchanged until the very end.
Drogba's header was indeed the equalizer.
Arteta's face showed dissatisfaction. What should have been a sure win had ended up like this.
He suddenly remembered that there was still no update on Cao Baming's injury. Without waiting long, he left right after the match ended to head to the medical room to check on the situation.
Just as he turned, an assistant coach from the team delivered the news.
Cao Baming had a hairline fracture in his calf, accompanied by muscle tears, requiring immediate surgery!
He had already been rushed to the hospital!
This news hit him like a bolt from the blue. Just after a frustrating match that ended in a draw, another blow struck!
"Quick! Take me to get an update!"
Cao Baming was his trump card for climbing the ranks this season. If he truly needed surgery, this season would be ruined!
At this moment, he still refused to accept reality!
But both a fractured calf bone and torn muscles sounded terrifying, didn't they?
As an experienced football coach, Arteta understood the gravity of the situation.
Soon, his teammates also came off the field, asking about Cao Baming's condition, and learned he had been sent to the hospital for surgery!
The severity of the situation clearly exceeded everyone's expectations.
The head coach was nowhere to be seen; he had already set off for the hospital.
On the way, Cao Baming was carried on a stretcher. His head felt fuzzy, the pain suppressing his cognitive abilities.
However, he was clear about his predicament, having heard the doctor mention surgery!
The ride was bumpy, and although the hospital was only fifteen minutes away, it felt like an eternity to Cao Baming.
Every jolt sent a pang of pain through his calf.
What was more distressing was his worry about recovery. No one could give a definitive answer on whether he would be able to play normally this season.
Just then, a voice echoed in Cao Baming's mind.
"Ding, detected that the host's injury is too severe. Do you wish to consume points to speed up recovery?"
Cao Baming, whose head was swimming, jolted awake.
"I can recover with points? It has such a great function??"
Thinking about it, he hadn't used the points he'd accumulated over time, he hadn't even checked what they could be used for!
Now that there was such a good use for them, he wouldn't hold back!
After all, health was paramount. With good health, he had the foundation for many things and could earn more points!
"Yes! Use all my points!"
"Ding! Host currently has 11450 points remaining. 11450 points have been deducted. Recovery speed for injuries increased by 380%."
"Holy crap! That's too powerful!"
Cao Baming mulled over what this 380% meant. It meant if his current injury normally took two months to recover, it would be quadrupled, down to... two weeks?
With that thought, the pain in his leg didn't seem so bad anymore!
Soon, Cao Baming was brought to the hospital.
Under more systematic examination with professional equipment, the necessity of surgery was further confirmed.
Arteta soon arrived. After discussing with the doctor and Cao Baming, they decided to proceed with surgery immediately.
As Cao Baming was taken to the operating room, Arteta found the doctor who had made the diagnosis.
"Doctor, based on your experience, how long would it take to recover after this surgery?"
The doctor, an elder with slightly graying hair, appeared to be of considerable age but had an unusual aura.
After a moment of thought, he replied.
"It depends on the execution of the surgery. If it's very successful, he should be able to recover within a month, but it could also take half a year or even longer."
After speaking, the doctor quickly realized Cao Baming was an athlete and hastily added.
"Recovery doesn't mean he can play football; it just means he can walk normally. To return to the sports field, it will take at least twice as long for rehabilitation!"
Hearing this, Arteta sighed in resignation.
Regardless, it would take at least two months, by which time this season would be almost over!
Meanwhile, Willian, upon hearing about Cao Baming's injury, quickly apologized and even came to visit him personally.
He almost got tackled by Cao Baming's teammates at the hospital entrance.
The surgery lasted for over an hour.
The first doctor emerged from the operating room, stating that the surgery was very successful.
Arteta breathed a sigh of relief.
The doctor's latest estimate for recovery was two months, which seemed somewhat acceptable!
Fortunately, it wouldn't affect the next season.
However, his contract with Cao Baming was only for one year, and to be injured for half a season was truly something.
Cao Baming returned to his hospital bed and saw his friends and club executives gathered around him. He felt his own importance and his heart warmed.
Before leaving, the doctor gave specific instructions, such as not exerting himself and absolutely not attempting to walk for the next two weeks.
After the doctor left, Cao Baming suddenly remembered he didn't know the outcome of the match that had just ended.
So, he directly asked.
Arteta shook his head helplessly.
"It was a draw."
"Drogba scored at the end."
Cao Baming suddenly understood and also let out a sigh.
No wonder the system's reward for five consecutive wins hadn't been sent to him yet.
In the evening, everyone went about their own business, leaving only a few teammates to stay with him at the hospital. However, they all had their own families and commitments.
They couldn't stay by his side all the time.
When everyone had left, with only two team doctors guarding the door, Cao Baming felt a sense of loneliness for the first time.
Just then, a message popped up on his phone.
"Which hospital are you in? I want to come see you!"
Cao Baming's eyes lit up, and a surge of warmth quickly filled him.
The sender was Wu Xue!
Without hesitation, Cao Baming sent her the hospital's address.
It turned out Wu Xue had managed to get tickets for this match and had come specifically to watch.
She had even planned to surprise him outside the stadium after the game, but plans couldn't keep up with changes...
As the sky outside grew dark, Cao Baming lay in his hospital bed, waiting for Wu Xue's arrival.
His heart was filled with anticipation.
Perhaps the only solace for his heart now would be a gentle girl like Wu Xue!