Player knocked out -- then ambulance crashes

Juan Manuel Olivera (L) of Universidad de Chile celebrates his goal against Deportivo Cali during their Copa Sudamericana soccer match at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago August 4, 2009.

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Universidad de Chile striker Juan Manuel Olivera is recovering after he was knocked out during a match and then the ambulance taking him to hospital crashed.

"It was a tragicomic situation," team doctor Patrico Delgado told Radio Cooperativa.

"He was a bit shocked at first but he has taken it all with a dose of humour. He will have to rest for around a week and after that he can start training again."

The Uruguayan striker's misfortune began when he was knocked unconscious after a clash with rival goalkeeper Jorge Rivera in Thursday's game away to O'Higgins in Rancagua.

Olivera, who has averaged nearly a goal a game this season for the Chilean champions, was taken to a nearby clinic for an exam, regaining consciousness on the way.

Doctors said the results of the exams were good but ordered him to be transferred to a Santiago hospital and spend the night there as a precaution.

But during the journey his ambulance was involved in a collision with another vehicle.

Media reports said nobody was hurt but Olivera had to wait around two hours for a substitute ambulance which was delayed by rush-hour traffic.

(Writing by Brian Homewood; Editing by Alastair Himmer)