Former Newcastle star Christian Atsu reportedly missing after Turkey earthquake

Former Newcastle and Chelsea midfielder Christian Atsu is understood to be missing after a devastating earthquake hit in Turkey and Syria.

Nearly 3,000 people are confirmed to be dead after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, though it’s believed the toll will rise considerably as emergency services work to rescue people buried underneath masses of rubble.

31-year-old Atsu, who now plays for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor, is thought to be among those missing, with reports stating that team-mates and members of the club’s technical staff had been rescued.

Atsu’s former club Newcastle posted that they were ‘praying for some positive news’ in regards to his welfare, while Chelsea, Everton and Bournemouth, the former of whom first bought Atsu to England in 2013, tweeted messages of support.

The 65-cap Ghanaian international spent five years at St James’ Park, making 121 appearances in all competitions before joining Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Raed in 2021.

Atsu then joined Hatayspor in September 2022 on an initial one-year contract, and scored the winning goal this past Sunday against Kasimpasa to secure his side a narrow 1-0 win.