Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas in hospital after crashing out of Dakar Rally

Crashed out: Villas-Boas has withdrawn from the Dakar Rally
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Andre Villas-Boas had to withdraw from the Dakar Rally after being taken to hospital with a back injury following a crash.

The 40-year-old former Tottenham and Chelsea manager hit a sand dune during the fourth stage of the rally in Peru while driving his Toyota Hilux.

Villas-Boas, whose uncle took part in the event in 1982, sustained no broken bones.

The Portuguese was in 43rd place and impressing during his debut display in the rally before this morning’s incident.

“Andre was taken to the hospital with a back injury,” said Overdrive team director Jean-Marc Fortin.

“It was unfortunate for Andre, who was making a very positive debut in the Dakar.”

Villas-Boas surprisingly turned his attention from football to motorsport following his departure as coach of Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

He was one of two auto drivers to withdraw from stage four of the event, alongside Peruvian Weber Diego.

The 15-day rally starts in Peru and travels through Bolivia before finishing in Argentina on January 20.

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