After what looked liked rather disturbing scenes during Tuesday's Champions League semi-final between Tottenham and Ajax, the London club have insisted this afternoon that centre-half Jan Vertonghen was not concussed during the game.
The Belgian international had to be removed from the field of play after a collision, but returned to the action moments later despite concerns over his well-being. However, the Spurs defender had to be removed again once play resumed and, once back on the sideline, could be seen vomiting.
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As the 32-year-old returned to the dressing rooms back down the tunnel, he had to be physically held up by medical staff, prompting many to suggest more stringent protocols surround head injuries.
In a statement released this evening, however, the club have insisted that the defender did not suffer from concussion.
It said:
Following a thorough review over the past 48 hours by our medical staff as well as by an independent neurologist with special interest in sport-related concussion today, it has been concluded that Jan Vertonghen did not suffer a concussion during Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Ajax.
The Belgium defender suffered an injury to his nose due to a challenge during the game which resulted in heavy bleeding. He was deemed fit to continue playing after an on-field assessment. All Football Association concussion guidelines were followed.
Jan was immediately withdrawn as a result of the player informing medical staff that symptoms were developing suddenly and that he no longer felt stable standing up. We have been advised that this was the result of a presyncopal episode, a near faint.
The specialist has recommended that the player undertakes a brief period of rehabilitation before returning to training.
Vertonghen is unlikely to face Bournemouth in this Saturday's early Premier League kick-off, where a win would ensure Mauricio Pochettino's side of a top-four finish.
