Jan Vertonghen undergoing cerebral tests to establish whether he’s suffered delayed concussion which could rule him out of Ajax return
- Jan Vertonghen undergoes cerebral tests for delayed concussion
- Tottenham defender took blow to the head during Ajax Champions League tie
- He was left bloodied after collision with Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana
- Vertonghen initially played on but was taken off shortly after looking dizzy
- He would be a doubt for next week’s second leg if he has suffered concussion
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has undergone cerebral tests to establish whether he has suffered delayed concussion after taking a blow to the head during Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final.
If the Belgian is found to have suffered any effects of concussion, he would be a doubt for next Wednesday’s second leg with Ajax in Amsterdam, where Spurs need to overturn a 1-0 deficit.
Vertonghen is certain to miss this Saturday’s Premier League visit to Bournemouth in either case.
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana (right) took ball and all in an aerial collision with Tottenham defenders Jan Vertonghen (back) and Toby Alderweireld (left)
Vertonghen had to receive medical treatment after an ugly clash midway through the half
The impact of the incident was immediately clear as the swelling appeared on his face
He was left bloodied following a midair collision with Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana and his team-mate Toby Alderweireld midway through the first-half on Tuesday night.
Vertonghen was left lying prone on the ground in an awkward position, with blood pouring from a cut in the centre of his nose.
Vertonghen received medical treatment first in the Ajax penalty area and then on the sidelines before changing his bloodied shirt and being allowed to continue.
But almost straight away, Vertonghen signalled to the Spurs bench that he needed to be replaced.
There were serious fears about Vertonghen’s safety as he lay in an awkward position
There was a lengthy delay at Tottenham’s new stadium as Vertonghen received treatment
He appeared dizzy and even appeared to retch as he was helped from the field by two physios as it became apparent he may be suffering from concussion.
It sparked a debate over whether Tottenham’s medical team had followed the correct procedure for when players suffer concussion.
But after the final whistle of Ajax’s 1-0 win, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino was adamant everything was above board.
‘I wasn’t involved in the decision (to let him play on) that was the doctor’s decision,’ the manager said.
‘The medical staff followed the protocol and I was never involved.
‘But now he is okay he is walking away and more relaxed. I hope it is not a big issue, we will keep watching him because it was a big knock.
Mauricio Pochettino put an arm around Vertonghen as he hobbled to the sidelines
There will be plenty of concerns that the centre-back may be out for a long time
‘We must protect the player. I worried for him – that’s normal. Your priority is the health of the player.’
Vertonghen was given two stitches to his nose and was allowed to travel home with his family as the club insisted he passed the concussion tests and showed no loss of consciousness.
However, further tests on Wednesday will ascertain whether Vertonghen has suffered any after-effects.