Newcastle's Lovenkrands in hospital after clash

NEWCASTLE, England (AP) -Newcastle midfielder Peter Lovenkrands was taken to hospital wearing breathing apparatus Saturday after collapsing during his side's 2-0 defeat against Chelsea.

The Denmark international was hurt in a collision with Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda, who appeared to accidentally hit him in the back with an elbow as the pair challenged for a ball.

Lovenkrands received extensive treatment on the pitch and then off it after being replaced by Damien Duff.

Interim manager Alan Shearer said the 29-year-old player had experienced difficulty breathing, but had been stabilized in hospital.

"He got a very, very nasty knock on his back and he was actually struggling to breathe,'' Shearer said. "They had to put the breathing apparatus on when he got into the dressing room.

"Thankfully, he went off to hospital and they have now stabilized him and hopefully, he will be OK.''