UAE football has rallied around Ahmed Al Akbari after the Al Wahda midfielder was reportedly placed into intensive care after a road accident.

Al Akbari, 21, was transferred immediately to Abu Dhabi’s Mafraq Hospital on Thursday morning after the incident. Al Bayan stated that the emerging starlet – who has scored once in four 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League appearances – had suffered fractures to his back and ribs, while Dubai Sports declared he was in a critical condition.

Speaking before Saturday’s visit of Al Dhafra in the top flight, Clarets coach Laurentiu Reghecampf expressed his upset about the incident.

He said: “It is too early to talk about the player’s condition. We are sad about what happened, and we wish him a recovery.

“When information about the player’s condition is available, the club will publish all the details and explain the situation.”

Al Akbari is considered an outstanding talent and future senior UAE international. As a powerful runner from deep, he’s struck twice in 24 AGL matches since his March 2015 debut.

A pair of Arabian Gulf Cups, two Arabian Gulf Super Cups and a President’s Cup have been lifted during his fledgling career. Ahmed is the younger brother of UAE and Al Nasr forward, Mohamed.

Wahda club captain Ismail Matar took to his Instagram page to ask for “prayers”.

He said: “Hello guys, I hope you are doing okay. Just please remember Ahmed Al Akbari in your prayers, he needs it.”

Clubs from across the AGL also voiced their support on social media.

Emirates football has a sad recent history with road accidents. Referee Tariq Mohammad Yousif Al Awadhi was killed in a crash on Massafi-Al Dhaid Road in October 2017.

UAE and Bani Yas winger Theyab Awana died in September 2011 while travelling back to Abu Dhabi from training in Al Ain.