Livingston boss David Martindale has revealed that striker Bruce Anderson was taken to hospital after suffering a diabetic fit on the pitch against Hibs.
The Lions suffered a 2-0 loss at Easter Road thanks to second half goals from Kevin Nisbet and Martin Boyle but the boss was left with a depleted squad that also saw Max Stryjek and Jack Fitzwater throwing up in the dressing room at half-time.
Anderson and Fitzwater were both substituted during the defeat with Craig Sibbald also taken off due to injury, while on-loan Rangers midfielder Ben Williamson was pulled out on the advice of the Ibrox club's doctors.
After the defeat, which leaves Livi without a point in four games this season, the manager said: "I feel sorry for the boys.
“Wee Bruce is away to hospital after he took a diabetic fit on the park and passed out. Max and Jack were spewing up in the toilets at half-time.
“Fitzy went back out but that’s why we had to take him off and why he had his shirt up over his mouth.
"I’m not trying to make excuses - but we had 11 players out today and I had four on the bench who couldn’t go on. They were just making up the numbers.
“Jackson Longridge shouldn’t have been anywhere near the park, nor should Craig Sibbald who had to start. Sean Kelly has rib damage but with Fitzy going off, he had to be thrown on.
“Ben was pulled out of the squad by Rangers because of a post-Covid blood test. He was in the starting 11 but their doctors advised us not to play him. His troponin levels in his blood were not what they should have been.
“Bruce might get kept in hospital overnight. So we don’t have our fires to fight just now."
The Lions announced the signing of former Hibs midfielder Stephane Omeonga prior to kick-off following his release from Italian side Pescara - but Martindale says it could be up to a month before he kicks a ball due to him needing a work permit.
He commented: "The work permit is going to be difficult for Omeonga.
“We cancelled one and applied for another one. As a country, we're not set up for Brexit properly yet. It could be four weeks before we see him on the pitch.
“But it's about how quickly the Home Office deals with it. We've done everything we can but they'll have bigger issues than Livingston FC.
“He'll certainly help because he has good energy and fits into our ethos. But when will he be able to do that? I can't answer it – hopefully soon.”
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