Premier League striker Dani Osvaldo in care after lung surgery

Dani Osvaldo, the former Premier League striker, has been placed in intensive care after an emergency operation in Argentina to remove a small portion of lung tissue. The 40‑year‑old was rushed to a public hospital in Llavallol, Buenos Aires, following a sudden health crisis. According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, the procedure was required because of a pleural effusion.

Operation and diagnosis

The operation removed a fragment of lung and was carried out after doctors diagnosed a pleural effusion – excess fluid between the lung lining and the chest wall. Getty the surgery was performed without complications, but the prognosis remains reserved.

The public hospital has not released an official medical report, leaving details of Osvaldo’s condition largely unconfirmed. Hospital staff continue to monitor him closely in intensive care.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport said Osvaldo had suffered severe chest pains in the days before his admission. His sister and a friend found him in a worrying condition at home and arranged his transfer to the hospital.

International career and early clubs

Born in Lanús, Argentina, Osvaldo chose to represent Italy, earning 14 caps and scoring four goals for the Azzurri. He began his senior career at Huracán before moving to Italy, where he played for Atalanta and Lecce in Serie B.

Fiorentina signed him for €4.6million in 2007, after which he also featured for Bologna and Espanyol.

Premier League stint and later years

Southampton paid a club‑record €15.1 million (£12.9m) to bring Osvaldo to the English top flight, where he made 13 Premier League appearances and scored three goals. His time at the Saints was marred by a three‑match ban for a touch‑line fracas and a suspension after a fight with teammate José Fonte.

He was loaned out three times – to Juventus, Inter Milan and Boca Juniors – before his contract with Southampton was terminated. Subsequent brief spells at Porto and a second spell at Boca Juniors ended in further contract terminations.

Osvaldo announced retirement after struggling to find a new club, then returned in 2020 to play for Banfield before retiring for good in July 2020, finishing with 88 goals and 27 assists in 289 appearances.

He remains in intensive care with a reserved prognosis, and the hospital has yet to issue a detailed update on his recovery.