"He'll have to stay in the hospital for a while" - Roger De Vlaeminck gives update on hospitalised Eddy Merckx

Some worrying news broke earlier this week that the most successful Tour de France rider in history, Eddy Merckx had been hospitalised once again. Now, his former rival and great friend Roger De Vlaeminck has provided an update on the condition of 'The Cannibal'.

According to a report by HLN, Merckx has been admitted to the hospital in Antwerp because he needs a new hip replacement due to complications. "I have been to the hospital 2 times already, and now it seems I have bacteria on my skin. I have to take strong antibiotics for twelve weeks, 2700 milligrams a day. I've done the math: by July 18, I'll be done. It's annoying, but there's nothing to do," the Belgian icon said himself. 

According to De Vlaeminck, Merckx seemed in good spirits. "I just spoke with Eddy Merckx on the phone. He's in the hospital in Antwerp because he's having hip problems. It's a painful situation, but Eddy told me he's doing well. That's reassuring," De Vlaeminck says in comments collected by Het Nieuwsblad. "He can now fully begin his recovery, but he'll have to stay in the hospital for a while, about two weeks. At least, that's the initial prognosis," he adds in conclusion.