Premiership star injured in motorcycle crash

A Premiership soccer star suffered concussion when he was involved in a motorcycle accident while on holiday in Rome, it emerged today.

Blackburn Rovers forward Matt Jansen, who narrowly missed out on a call-up to the England World Cup squad, is still recovering in an Italian hospital after the incident last weekend.

The Lancashire club said Jansen, who also suffered minor cuts and bruises, was expected to return to the UK next week.

A club statement confirmed that Jansen’s girlfriend was travelling with him when the accident happened last Sunday evening, but she escaped injury.

The statement, issued on Rovers’ official website, read: ‘‘Matt was subsequently transferred to another hospital and remains there under observation.

‘‘He is improving daily, but requires more rest before being given the all-clear to return home early next week.’’

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson wished the former Carlisle United and Crystal Palace striker a speedy recovery.

‘‘I am very sorry to hear that,’’ he said today. ‘‘I hope he will be okay and ready for the start of the new season.’’

Jansen’s agent Jay Bevington has been in touch with Rovers and hopes the striker will be able to travel home early next week.

He told Sky Sports News: ‘‘He is very comfortable and getting the best medical treatment available.’’