Ghanaian star Christian Atsu is trapped under rubble following powerful earthquake in Turkey

Ghanian forward Christian Atsu is trapped under rubble following a powerful earthquake that rocked Turkey in the early hours of Monday morning.

Atsu who plays for Turkey-based Hatayspor is said to have been caught up alongside teammates and staff in the rubble.

Two players and two members of staff were “pulled out of the rubble” but both Atsu, goalkeeper Yeni Malatyaspor, and Taner Savut, the club’s sporting director, remain missing and a search and rescue operation is underway as they try and find them according to Turkish media outlet Star.

He scored a 97th-minute winner for his side against Kasimpasa on Sunday, just hours before the natural disaster occurred at 4 am on Monday morning while civilians were sleeping.

Sporting Tribune reports that Turkey was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, leading to more than the death of over 1000 people with many more injured.

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Following the news, social media was flooded with messages from well-wishers, praying for his timely rescue.

Here are some reactions from social media

@pascalgbiel two players and two members of staff were “pulled out of the rubble” but both Atsu and Taner Savut, the club’s sporting director, remain missing and a search and rescue operation is underway as they try and find the pair.

@GideonAfrican Our prayers are with the people of Turkey and Christian Atsu, may God intervene,,, amen.

@nana_asempa The Christian Atsu story is sad and frightening. May the lord be with him

@Founda_ News about Christian Atsu being okay will most definitely be the biggest win for Ghanaians this year.

@addojunr Thoughts and prayers with Christian Atsu, who is reportedly among thousands of people left under the rubble of a devastating earthquake in Turkey.