Medical staff rushed onto the pitch to treat the teenager. He was then stretchered off after six minutes of treatment on the pitch, during which time he required oxygen. The youngster was conscious after being taken off but is likely to be taken to hospital for further examinations.

In a statement, the east London club said: “West Ham United can confirm George Earthy will undergo an assessment in a London hospital this evening following the incident which saw him stretchered off during today’s Premier League fixture against Fulham. “The midfielder – who entered the field as a second half substitute to make his Premier League debut against the Cottagers – was taken off in stoppage time. His first three or four touches were terrific, really disappointed for the boy.

He has been doing ever so well in training. We will all look after him.” Fulham won the game at London Stadium 2-0 thanks to a goal in either half from Brazilian star Andreas Pereira but it was overshadowed by the horror injury sustained by one of the Hammers’ brightest prospects.

On his side’s performance, Fulham match-winner Pereira said: “It was one of the best performances from me and from the team as well – we took advantage of West Ham being tired in midweek. “We knew we couldn’t make any mistakes and had to be solid, get all the details right. The early goal helped us get confidence.”

Fulham’s win moves them 12th in the Premier League table and makes it mathematically impossible for the Cottagers to be relegated this season. But boss Marco Silva will be looking for his side to end the season strongly, and land a top-half finish. Defeat for West Ham is a blow to their hopes of qualifying for Europe once again.