LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen did not suffer concussion during Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Ajax Amsterdam, the north London club said on Thursday.
The 32-year-old Belgium international collided with teammate Toby Alderweireld while challenging Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana for the ball.
After speaking to the Spurs medical staff, referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz allowed Vertonghen to return to the pitch, but he soon had to be substituted.
“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,” Spurs said in a statement.
“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.”
Vertonghen was withdrawn after the he informed the medical staff that he was struggling to stand up.
The club has been advised that this was “the result of a presyncopal episode, a near faint”.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/JanVertonghen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JanVertonghen. #COYS
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“The specialist has recommended that the player undertakes a brief period of rehabilitation before returning to training,” the club added.
Spurs face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, before they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit at Ajax in the return leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.