Jurgen Klinsmann's son Jonathan was rushed to hospital after breaking his neck during a match over the weekend.
Jonathan, 29, was in action for Serie B side Cesena against Palermo on Saturday.
With the home side leading 2-0 in second half stoppage time, the goalkeeper charged down a cut-back.
Klinsmann beat Palermo ace Filippo Ranocchia to the ball.
Ranocchia then appeared to accidentally catch the keeper’s head with his trailing leg.
The United States youth international required lengthy treatment and was eventually stretchered off in a neck brace.
Cesena went on to confirm that Klinsmann had spent the night in hospital in Sicily.
Initial tests showed that he suffered a fracture to the first cervical vertebra – which is located between the neck and spine.
Klinsmann has been kept under observation and is set for further tests and a consultation with a specialist neurosurgeon.
His agent confirmed: “The road to recovery will be a long one.”
And taking to Instagram earlier today, Klinsmann added: “Unfortunately my season came to an end on Saturday.
“During the match I suffered a fracture to my spine which will sideline me for a while.
“I want to thank everyone on the ground and at the hospital here in Palermo, the fans of both @cesenafc and @palermofficial for the warm wishes and of course my friends and family who have supported me over the last few days.
“Good luck to the boys in our playoff push and I will see you all very soon.”
Klinsmann has started all 35 of Cesena’s Serie B matches this season.
He is the first choice goalkeeper of former England star Ashley Cole, who was appointed Cesena boss last month.
While his dad Jurgen is a Germany legend, Jonathan is eligible for the United States via his American mother.
He is so far uncapped by the US, but received a call up from boss Mauricio Pochettino earlier this season.
On representing the US, Klinsmann told Fifa last September: “Yes, it’s always felt like the natural choice for me.
“I came through the USA youth systems and I’ve spent most of my life there.
“Of course, if a call had come from Germany, I would have given it some thought, but I have always felt at home with the United States.”
