- Andre Villas-Boas hit a dune during the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally
- After the accident in San Juan de Marcona, Peru, he had to be hospitalised
- Overdrive team director Jean-Marc Fortin revealed he had suffered a back injury
Andre Villas-Boas had to withdraw from the Dakar Rally on Wednesday morning after being taken to hospital.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager hit a dune during the fourth stage of the rally in San Juan de Marcona, Peru, while driving his Toyota Hilux.
That meant the 40-year-old, who most recently managed Shanghai SIPG, had to be hospitalised.
Andre Villas-Boas had to withdraw from the Dakar Rally after a crash on Wednesday morning
The former Chelsea manager (right) was competing in the event for the first time this year
‘Andre was taken to the hospital with a back injury. It was unfortunate for Andre, who was making a very positive debut in the Dakar,’ Overdrive team director Jean-Marc Fortin said.
Villas-Boas was in 43rd place and impressing during his debut display in the rally when he hit the sand dune.
The former Jose Mourinho protege made his name in management when he took Porto to a treble of the Portuguese league, the cup and the Europa League.
Villas-Boas and his co-driver Ruben Faria were in 43rd position when the accident occurred
Villas-Boas had to be hospitalised but was praised for his performance at the rally
He then moved to Chelsea, where he was tasked with rebuilding an ageing squad. Unfortunately, Villas-Boas was dismissed after less than a season in charge.
Villas-Boas then took over at Tottenham, who he managed for just over a year and a half. He led them to a fifth place finish before struggling to replace talisman Gareth Bale.
Since then, he has been in charge of both Zenit Saint Petersburg and Shanghai. He left the Chinese club on November 30, 2017, after turning down a new contract.