Barca's Gerard Pique Released From Hospital

Pique takes a hit during yesterday's UCL Clash (Getty Images)

Today there's some good news for Barcelona fans in a week that's been full of bad news.  Defender Gerard Pique has been released from the hospital after a short stay to evaluate a possible concussion sustained in yesterday's Champion's League match with Chelsea.

In the 17th minute of the match, Pique went up for the same ball with his teammate and 'keeper Victor Valdes and Chelsea's Didier Drogba.  All three players collided and went to the ground.  Valdes controlled the ball, and he and Drogba got up in fairly short order, but Pique appeared to be out cold after slamming him to his fellow Barca man with his head.  He eventually got up and played for a few more minutes, but was eventually was subbed off and taken to the hospital.

The club had this to say in an official statement:

"Gerard Pique has been discharged from hospital after follow-up medical tests proved satisfactory.  The Barcelona FC defender spent the night in hospital under observation after a heavy collision with Didier Drogba and Victor Valdes in the early stages of the match against Chelsea.  The player will now rest for a week before being re-assessed."

Pique is a class guy and a great player.  Hopefully he'll be back on the pitch as soon as possible.