21 June 2023 , 13:48
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One of Lionel Messi's new teammates at Inter Miami has been hospitalised after a freak incident in which he was bitten by a spider during a trip to the zoo.
Goalkeeper Nick Marsman is set to line up alongside the Argentinian legend later this summer, with the 35-year-old having announced that he will join the Herons following the conclusion of his PSG contract. The former Feyenoord star spent three days in a hospital bed, however, following the bite which occurred while his family was visiting the attraction in Florida.
Marsman's wife, Nathalie Den Dekker took to Instagram where she posted a snap of the Dutchman in bed in hospital following the horrific bite. Making a tongue in cheek observation in the caption that accompanied the image, she acknowledged that the incident was one of the cons of living in a tropical climate.
She said: "The downside of living in a tropical climate… is when you go to the zoo and get bitten by a poisonous spider. End up being hospitalised for three days."
Following this, it appeared that the ex-Netherlands U-21s stopper was on the mend and had been discharged from hospital following the frightening ordeal. Lawyer and former Miss Netherlands Den Dekker added: "Happy to have you back home, now get well soon."
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The Inter Miami back-up star has had to play second fiddle to first choice goalkeeper Drake Callender for this season so far this season during what has been a torrid run for the franchise. Currently rock bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, they have won just five games from a possible 17 this term, with their woes having led to the sacking of former coach Phil Neville.
Yet to make an appearance for the Floridan outfit so far this campaign, it remains to be seen whether a permanent new head coach would opt to reinstate Marsman to the side and it remains unknown whether the spider bite will affect his availability. Previous to this season, the experienced 32-year-old made 30 outings for the MLS team, while conceding 45 times.
Nick Marsman has since been discharged from hospital following the horrific spider bite incident (Instagram/ thenathaliedendekker)The goalkeeper previously made headlines by expressing concerns that the club's temporary ground DRV PNK Stadium is currently not ready to host a superstar of Messi's reputation. Although the former FC Twente stopper did welcome the now impending arrival of the World Cup winner, he did explain that he had some reservations about the club's current infrastructure.
Previously speaking to ESPN, he stated: “I think our club is just not ready yet, we have a temporary stadium and people can just walk onto the pitch. For example, there are no fences. There is no security when we walk from the training ground to the stadium."
Inter Miami's current 18,000 seater interim venue is due to be replaced by a new stadium in 2025 and co-owner Jorge Mas has since committed to improving the state of the franchise's security offering. He told the Miami Herald: "Security will obviously be enhanced, players will be bussed in, going through a tunnel."