Fernando Torres leaves hospital after head injury

Medics attending to Fernando Torres after his head injury

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has been discharged from hospital after having tests on the head injury he suffered in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruna.

The 32-year-old spent the night in hospital after falling heavily in an aerial challenge with Alex Bergantinos.

Atletico confirmed scans showed he has “no traumatic alterations or injuries” and will need to rest for 48 hours.

He said: “Thank you all for caring for me. It was only a scare.”

After former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Torres’ injury in the 85th minute in La Coruna, players from both teams immediately rushed to him and called for medical help.

He was assisted for several minutes by doctors before being taken off on a stretcher and transferred to a hospital.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Atletico coach Diego Simeone said he was “worried and nervous” when the incident happened.

“We heard the blow from the bench, we saw how he fell and we were afraid,” he said. “We didn’t know if that noise was Fernando’s neck or not.”

Atletico’s Sime Vrsaljko and captain Gabi have also been praised for reacting quickly to ensure Torres didn’t swallow his tongue whilst unconscious.

Distressed Atletico defender Jose Maria Gimenez was seen crying, whilst Deportivo fans gave the former Spanish international a standing ovation as he was carried from the field.

Atletico finished the game with 10 men, having used all three substitutes, but earned a point thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s stunning 30-yard strike.

Deportivo had taken an early lead in former West Bromich Albion manager, Pepe Mel’s first game in charge when Florin Andone capitalised on a poor Jan Oblak goal-kick.

“In the end I do not care about the result,” said Griezmann. “I just want to know what’s up with Fernando and hopefully he’s fine. And he gets back to us soon.”

Atletico left-back Filipe Luis added: “It’s very ugly to see it, we were all scared but at least the news we have received so far is good and the most important thing is that Fernando is well.”

The draw leaves Atletico fourth in La Liga – 11 adrift of leaders Barcelona – while Deportivo are now 17th.