‘Feeling ok’: Jan Vertonghen provides update after head injury in Tottenham defeat by Ajax

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has revealed that he is ‘feeling ok’ after suffering a head injury in the first leg of his side’s Champions League semi-final against Ajax.

Vertonghen had to be substituted in the 39th minute having collided with team-mate Toby Alderweireld and Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Having been treated on the pitch Vertonghen attempted to carry on playing but the Belgium international, whose face was bloodied, eventually had to be helped off the pitch by Tottenham’s medical staff. 

Tottenham revealed that the defender will see a neurologist on Thursday

Vertonghen, who previously played for Ajax, wrote on Twitter: ‘Not the way I wanted the game to go last night. Feeling ok today. Thanks to both sets of fans for the positive messages’.

Tottenham announced that Vertonghen will see a neurologist, who specialises in elite athletes, on Thursday. 

The club also defended the decision to allow Vertonghen to play on, saying that the 32-year-old answered questions lucidly. 

A statement on Tottenham’s official website read: ‘Jan Vertonghen has undergone further assessment today (Wednesday 1 May) after sustaining a head injury in last night’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Ajax. He also suffered a small cut to his nose that was bleeding heavily.

Vertonghen attempted to carry on playing against Ajax but had to be substituted

Tottenham defended the decision to allow Vertonghen to attempt to play on against Ajax

‘The Belgium defender was assessed on the pitch yesterday immediately after the incident with our medical team strictly following Football Association concussion guidelines.

‘Following testing he was judged to be alert and answered all questions correctly and lucidly, deeming him fit to return to the field of play.

Vertonghen clashed with team-mate Toby Alderweireld and Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana

‘All available video footage was relayed to our on-pitch medical team and they were able to confirm that he had suffered no loss of consciousness.

‘Jan was immediately withdrawn as a result of the player informing medical staff that symptoms were developing suddenly and that he no longer felt stable standing up.

‘Tests today have been clear and testing will continue for the next few days. Additionally, as is standard Club policy with certain injuries, we shall also be seeking independent advice and Jan is due to see a neurologist, who specialises in elite athletes, tomorrow. The player has reported no ill-effects today.’

Tottenham have two Premier League fixtures remaining this season – away to Bournemouth and at home to Everton.

Next week they will travel to Holland to face Ajax in the second leg of their semi-final tie.