Malta defender Luke Dimech was injured when the car he was driving was involved in a traffic accident on Tuesday. Dimech, 29, was discharged from hospital yesterday after spending the night under observation.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, Dimech said he was feeling better.

"I suffered a head wound which required nine stitches and I've got some pain in my chest but I'm feeling better," Dimech said.

The news immediately raised fears about the repercussions Dimech's injuries might have on his football career but the Marsaxlokk defender is confident of making a comeback sooner rather than later.

"It's still early to say when I'll be ready to train and play again but medical tests showed that I suffered no fractures and that is an encouraging sign."

After a two-year spell in English football, where he turned out for lower division clubs Mansfield Town and Chester, Dimech returned to Maltese football last summer to join Marsaxlokk.

Dimech has been one of the Premier League's top defenders this season, his solid performances at the back helping Marsaxlokk piece together a seven-match winning run which propelled them to the top of the standings. Marsaxlokk have 21 points from eight matches, two ahead of second-placed Msida St Joseph.

Marsaxlokk will be optimistic that Dimech will have recovered by the time they relaunch their assault on the Premier League title in their next championship match against Marsa on November 26.

It remains to be seen though if Dimech receives the medical all-clear to play for Malta in next Wednesday's friendly match against Lithuania at the Hibs Ground.

Dimech earned his 45th cap last month when Malta beat Hungary 2-1 in a home Euro 2008 qualifier.