Ex-Arsenal Star Pens Heartfelt Message After Being Rushed to Hospital With Horror Injury

Carl Jenkinson Admits ‘It Will Be a While’ Before He Returns to Action Following Devastating Hip Dislocation

In football, there are moments that transcend the result, the scoreline, and even the sport itself. For Carl Jenkinson, a pre-season friendly turned into a personal nightmare — and a vivid reminder of how fragile a footballer’s journey can be.

The former Arsenal and England full-back was stretchered off in clear distress during Bromley’s friendly against Millwall, after suffering what is believed to be a dislocated hip — an injury as rare as it is excruciating. The 33-year-old, now in the twilight years of a respectable career, was rushed to hospital after receiving oxygen and emergency medical care on the pitch.

But true to his character, Jenkinson didn’t dwell in silence. Instead, he penned a heartfelt public message that moved fans, teammates, and rivals alike — a tribute not just to those who helped him, but to football itself.

What Happened: A Freak Injury That Stunned Bromley

It was meant to be a routine summer warm-up — a chance for Bromley to test themselves against stronger opposition ahead of their second season in the EFL. But for Jenkinson, things took a dramatic and painful turn.

Midway through the game, he went down awkwardly following a seemingly innocuous challenge. What followed was 15 minutes of intense on-field treatment, during which paramedics administered oxygen and prepared him for an emergency trip to PRU Hospital.

The sight of the veteran defender being stretchered off left teammates visibly shaken. Even Millwall’s players, seasoned pros themselves, looked concerned as Jenkinson left the pitch to warm applause.

“It was awful,” one Bromley teammate said after the match. “He’s such a good guy, and to see him in that kind of pain… it rocked all of us.”

What Carl Jenkinson Said: A Message From the Heart

Just days later, Jenkinson took to social media to thank those who had supported him and to offer a glimpse into his mindset — reflective, emotional, but filled with the fighting spirit that earned him a career at the highest level.

“Just wanted to put something out there to say a big thank you to the people who rallied around to help me on Saturday,” he wrote.

“The paramedics, doctors, nurses and everyone at PRU Hospital. It’s only when you are in a time of need that you realise how incredible these people really are.”

Jenkinson then turned his attention to the club that has become his home in recent years — Bromley, who offered him a lifeline after spells in Australia and a winding career full of highs and setbacks.

“Thanks to everyone at the club who has helped me through the last couple of days,” he continued.

“Bromley is a football club that is growing very quickly but the soul of the club remains incredibly tight-knit and steadfast.”

But it was the following paragraph that truly struck a chord with football fans:

“Unfortunately these setbacks are part and parcel of the game we love, and you have to take the rough with the smooth. As you get a bit older you come to appreciate every second you have on the pitch, because you learn that in sport it can be taken away from you at any moment.

I feel a deep sadness writing this knowing it’s going to be a while until I can play again, but that pre-match feeling and the thought of stepping out onto the pitch with the boys again already gives me the fire in my belly to tackle this process head on.”

It was a message that resonated not just with Bromley fans, but with football lovers everywhere. Here was a player, once at the heights of the Premier League, now confronting the very real fragility of the game — and doing so with humility, gratitude, and a deep respect for everyone who plays a part behind the scenes.

The Bigger Picture: From Arsenal to Bromley, A Career of Heart

Chelsea v Arsenal – Premier League 2

Carl Jenkinson may not have become a household name during his time at Arsenal, but anyone who followed the club during the early 2010s will remember his work ethic, versatility, and unwavering commitment to the badge. The boyhood Gooner even fulfilled the dream of many — pulling on the England shirt in 2012 for his lone international cap.

Across seven seasons with Arsenal, Jenkinson made 70 appearances and was part of the squad that won the 2014 FA Cup. But his time in North London was marred by injuries and constant loan spells. From West Ham to Birmingham City, and eventually to Nottingham Forest, Jenkinson became one of those classic examples of a footballer with talent who never quite got the consistent run of luck required to thrive at the top.

In 2022, he made the bold decision to move to Australia’s A-League, joining Melbourne City and later Newcastle Jets, seeking playing time and fresh experiences.

Then came Bromley — a humble, ambitious side newly promoted to the Football League. Jenkinson joined in the summer of 2023, and quickly became a respected leader on and off the pitch. He made 13 appearances last season and extended his stay in April 2025, committing to another year with the club as they continue to defy expectations.

What’s Next for Carl Jenkinson?

Newcastle United v Bromley – Emirates FA Cup Third Round

Right now, it’s hard to say when — or even if — Carl Jenkinson will return to the pitch. A dislocated hip is a serious injury, often requiring surgery and a lengthy period of rehabilitation. In a player’s early 20s, it’s a significant setback. In one’s 30s, it can be career-defining.

But if Jenkinson’s message is anything to go by, he has no intention of letting this be the final chapter. His tone was not one of farewell, but of determination. A fire lit, not extinguished.

“I’ll be back out there to play my part as soon as I can in what I know is going to be a great season,” he said, signing off his message to fans and teammates alike.

Bromley kick off their 2025-26 League Two campaign against Shrewsbury Town on August 2, and while Jenkinson won’t be involved, his influence will still be felt — in the dressing room, on the training ground, and in the stands.

Final Word: A Career Defined by Resilience

Football can be cruel. For every top-tier superstar with a seamless path, there are a dozen more like Carl Jenkinson — players who fight, fall, and fight again. His latest setback is just another test in a career that has already seen more than its fair share of trials.

But if there’s one thing Jenkinson has always shown — whether wearing the Arsenal red, the England white, or Bromley’s black and white — it’s heart.

And sometimes, in football, that’s the most important quality of all.