Player knocked out -- then ambulance crashes

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)