Oscar diagnosis emerges after ex-Chelsea star rushed to ICU following collapse

Oscar was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after collapsing during a training session with Sao Paulo, and the Brazilian has now been diagnosed with vasovagal syncope

A health update has been provided on the former Chelsea midfielder Oscar after he collapsed and was admitted to the ICU earlier this week. The Brazilian star fell unconscious during a training session and has remained under observation.

Oscar, 34, was conducting an interval test on an exercise bike at Sao Paulo's training ground when he fell ill. Brazilian outlet Global Esporte reported that he was unconscious for two minutes.

The issue comes after Oscar suffered a fractured vertebra in August.

Since then, Oscar has made the bench twice, but it has been claimed that he has been monitoring a heart issue after he showed signs of an abnormality during tests on his fracture.

In a statement on Tuesday, Sao Paulo said Oscar 'presented an incident with cardiological changes' and was 'promptly attended to by the club's professionals and the medical team from Einstein Hospital Israelita. They have now offered another update and have confirmed a diagnosis of vasovagal syncope.

The statement read: "Midfielder Oscar remains hospitalised at Einstein Hospital Israelita, where he was admitted on Tuesday afternoon (11) after presenting an incident with cardiological changes during tests carried out at SuperCT.

"An extensive investigation carried out at the hospital confirmed the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope.

"Oscar remains clinically well and stable, hospitalised in a cardiology unit and will undergo an electrophysiological study this Friday."

Vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain and brief loss of consciousness. It can be triggered by heat, hunger, or emotional distress.

Oscar returned to his home club Sao Paulo in December on a three-year contract, after making a name for himself at Chelsea where he clinched two Premier League titles.

The seasoned player then made an unexpected move to the Chinese Super League, securing three league titles with Shanghai Port. His £60million departure from west London was met with criticism from then-Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

He was reportedly earning a whopping £400,000 per week during his time there. The Brazilian recorded 77 goals and 141 assists in 248 appearances for the club.

Chelsea FC expressed their concern for their former player on Wednesday afternoon, stating: "The thoughts of everyone at Chelsea FC are with our former player Oscar and his family at this difficult time."