Clarke Carlisle facing 'long road to recovery'
Thursday 1 January 2015 21:53, UK
Clarke Carlisle’s condition has improved but the 35-year-old faces a ‘long road to full recovery’, his family have said in a statement.
Carlisle, who made over 500 appearances for nine clubs including Burnley, QPR and Watford, was seriously injured in a collision with a lorry on December 22.
The incident happened on the A64, near York, and Carlisle is recovering in hospital in Leeds.
"Our family and especially Clarke, would like to thank each and every person for their unbelievable support at this very difficult time,” a statement released through the Professional Footballers' Association read.
"The fantastic and expert attention of all of the staff at Leeds General Infirmary has brought him from a critical condition to a stable and relatively comfortable one.
"However, this will be a long road to full recovery and the family would request that you respect our privacy at this time."
It emerged earlier this week that Carlisle was facing court action over an alleged drink driving offence after being charged just days before suffering his injury.
He was charged with failing to provide a sample on December 20 and is scheduled to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on January 20.
