The Norwegian Omar Al-Abdalawi, defender of the Turkish club Galatasaray, suffers from vision problems after he was involved in an accident caused by fireworks, but his condition began to improve.
The 29-year-old defender suffered facial burns when fireworks exploded in his hand during his New Year celebration in Istanbul on Thursday evening.
Omar Al-Abdalawi's right eye remains in poor condition, as doctors hope his eyes will recover with continued treatment.
"Our mission is focused on minimizing losses," said Doctor Vedat Kaya at Istanbul's Lev Hospital.
According to Galatasaray doctor Yannir Ines, Al-Abdalawi suffers from second-degree burns to his face, and needs surgical intervention.
Ines explained that it is still too early and inappropriate to discuss whether Al-Abdalawi will play again, or when this will happen.
Al-Abdalawi - who is of Moroccan origin - joined Galatasaray before the start of the current season from Olympiakos, Greece, and participated in 13 matches with the Turkish team.