Fadiga facing uncertain future

Former Inter Milan midfielder Khalilou Fadiga is expected to be released from hospital today after collapsing on the pitch before Bolton’s Carling Cup loss to Tottenham.

Fadiga, who has a history of heart problems, fell to the ground suddenly in the warm-up and was stretchered off to the dressing room by anxious medics.

He came around in the treatment area at the Reebok Stadium before being ferried to hospital.

Fadiga arrived at Bolton last month and was given the all-clear by their medical staff following concerns over surgery in Belgium for an irregular heartbeat.

He signed a deal until the end of the season after spending two weeks training with the club after being released by Inter Milan.

Fadiga is yet to start a game and was due to be on the bench last night but now there will be concerns about his well-being.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: “He is in hospital being checked over as he appears to have fainted on the pitch. We will have to find out the reason why.

“Due to the lad’s past history we will have to be very careful.

“Our medical staff decided it was best he went to hospital and be checked over.”

Allardyce revealed that the Senegal star had passed a fitness test on a calf injury only hours before the game.

“Because we had already picked the team we decided to put him on the subs bench,” said the Bolton boss following the 4-3 defeat in extra time.

Tottenham twice came from behind to seal a place in the fifth round and a match at Championship side Burnley.

Bolton took the lead after 27 minutes when Fernando Hierro’s free-kick caused confusion in the visiting defence.

Henrik Pedersen was quick to react although Tottenham defender Ledley King appeared to get the final touch, leaving goalkeeper Kasey Keller stranded.

Tottenham drew level a minute before the break with Jermain Defoe’s first goal in a month.

He turned smartly after receiving a pass from Simon Davies to drill a shot beyond Kevin Poole from 20 yards.

Bolton, however, regained the lead in the 75th minute with Jay-Jay Okocha scoring from the penalty spot.

He struck his effort firmly beyond Keller after Goran Bunjevcevic had tugged Kevin Davies’ shirt.

Bunjevcevic then made amends by pulling Tottenham level at 2-2 by bundling the ball home in the 85th minute to take the game into extra time.

Tottenham took the lead for the first time on the night in the 95th minute after sub Michael Brown headed home a free-kick from Michael Carrick.

Pedersen and Nicky Hunt both went close for Bolton before Defoe put Tottenham 4-2 ahead with his second goal of the game after 103 minutes.

The drama continued right on the stroke of half-time when former Tottenham striker Ferdinand pulled one back for Bolton.

Keller then made a stunning block from Ferdinand six minutes from time as last season’s beaten finalists tumbled out.

Spurs coach Chris Hughton was delighted at the way his side fought back after losing to Bolton only last Saturday in the league.

“We were aware this was going to be a difficult game irrespective of what team Sam put out,” he said.

“You are looking for players to rise to the challenge and to get through in whichever fashion is very pleasing.

“We showed a lot of character to come back from being twice behind. The determination of the players, especially having to go through an extra 30 minutes, says a enough lot about them.”