Goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, son of former striker Jürgen Klinsmann, is recovering from a broken neck sustained playing for second-tier Italian side Cesena on Saturday.
He was stretchered off the field in a neck brace following a collision and taken to a hospital. Initial tests revealed a fracture to the first cervical vertebra and a cut to the head. He will undergo further tests with a specialist neurosurgeon.
The 29-year-old Klinsmann posted on Instagram that his season is over and thanked fans for their support.
Born in Munich, Klinsmann played briefly for the LA Galaxy and has represented the United States at youth level. He has been called up twice by the USA senior team but has yet to make his debut.
Klinsmann joined Cesena two years ago and has made over 50 appearances. The Serie B club is coached by Ashley Cole.