Ghana winger Christian Atsu missing after tragic earthquake in Turkey

Ghana international Christian Atsu is reportedly trapped under rubble after the tragic earthquake in Turkey.

According to the Turkish publication Star, a search-and-rescue operation is underway to find Atsu, who plies his trade for Hatayaspor in the Turkish Super Lig after he was caught up in the 7.8 magnitude quake on Monday.

It is said several members of his team had to be rescued by specialists after the earthquake struck.

But Atsu and Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut remain missing under rubble.

The earthquake hit hard in Kahramanmaras, where Hatayspor are based.

Two players and members of the technical staff were “pulled out of the rubble” in a dramatic rescue operation.

And efforts remain ongoing to find the Ghanaian international and Savut as quickly as possible.

He isn’t the only footballer missing, with Yeni Malatyaspor goalie Ahmet Eyup also trapped.

Over 1,000 people are believed to have died in the earthquake that struck Turkey around 4 am on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Atsu scored the match-winner when Hatayspor defeated Kasimpasa 1-0 on Sunday.

Atsu came off the bench to score in stoppage time as his sides cruised to a 1-0 win over Kasimpasa.

It was his first goal for Hatayaspor since joining the club.

The 31-year-old was introduced in the 82nd minute, replacing French forward Rayan Aabid and made his presence felt by scoring the match-winner in the game.

Atsu ensured Hatayspor move out of the relegation zone to the 14th position on the table.

He scored beautifully from a free kick from the edge of the box with a few minutes remaining in the game.

Since joining Hatayspor in September 2022 after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Raed, Atsu has managed just three appearances and scored once as he has been out for some time due to an injury.