Christian Atsu HAS Been Found ALIVE After Being Rescued From The Rubble Following Turkey Earthquake.

Christian Atsu, has reportedly been found and rescued alive in the rubble of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria that has caused more than 2,500 deaths,with over 12,000 more believed to be injured, and Atsu is currently hospitalised.

The Ghanaian star was previously reported to be buried under rubble following the catastrophic earthquake, as Hatay was one of the most affected cities. 

Along with Atsu, Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut and an unnamed club interpreter were also said to be unaccounted for.

Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat told Turkish TV station Play Spor: "Christian Atsu and (club sporting director) Taner Savut are still under the rubble."

However, recent reports by Portuguese media outlet 'A Bola' claim that the Atsu has been found and rescued as he sustained an injury on his right foot and has difficulty breathing.

Search and rescue teams searched for Atsu after the 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and Syria during the early hours of Monday morning, with rescue teams searching for survivors.

Two of his Hatayspor team-mates Onur Ergun and Burak Oksuz, as well as members of technical staff were also found earlier in the day, with Kerim Alici climbing out of the rubble on his own feet.

Christian Atsu had joined Chelsea as a youngster backl in 2013 after leaving Porto, but he never played a competitive minute for the Blues as he was sent out on loan for a number of seasons including to Everton, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United.

Though he made just five appearances at Everton, he impressed enough on loan at Newcastle to make a permanent move to the St James' Park.

Atsu was part of the Magpies team which won promotion back to the Premier League in 2017.

In total he made 107 appearances for the Magpies, scoring eight goals, before joining Saudi side Al-Raed in 2021.

Newcastle have posted on social media with a photo of Atsu when he was at the club, saying they were "Praying for some good news for the midfielder".  

Chelsea also posted a message via Twitter with Atsu picture wearing the club's jersey saying; "The thoughts of everyone at Chelsea Football Club are with those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

"We're praying for you, Christian Atsu."💙

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the survivors, and we pray that our fellow Ghanaian, Christian Atsu, is found safe and sound," Ghana's president Nana Akufo-Addo also tweeted.

The 31-year-old later joined Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor in the summer and scored his first goal for the club on Sunday night just hours before the disaster which has devastated Turkey.

He scored a goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory over Kasimpasa.

Christian Atsu scored a stoppage time goal for Hatayspor last night. He made the whole region happy. 😢

Today, he's under the rubble and the region has been devastated by the earthquake. 🇹🇷🇬🇭

Life is cruel. Our thoughts are with everyone effected. 💔 pic.twitter.com/4JMfaS5dcn

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) February 6, 2023

In a message on Twitter after the game, Atsu wrote: "Important win for the team. Happy to be on the scoresheet."

Ghanaian journalist Saddick Adams on Twitter, also claims that he is in contact with the player's management, and says that one of Atsu's teammates informs them that the player has indeed been found, and has been taken to the hospital.