JAN ‘WAS NOT CONCUSSED’

After Barca reality check, gutted Liverpool stars now have to fight back to increase the heat on City in tense title race... starting at Newcastle

JAN VERTONGHEN did not suffer a concussion during the Champions League defeat to Ajax on Tuesday, according to Tottenham.

An independent neurologist ruled it out after assessing the defender, the club said in a statement yesterday.

Vertonghen had lengthy treatment for a head injury, tried to play on but then was helped off barely able to walk. Letting him continue sparked a debate about concussion protocol.

Spurs say he passed all the relevant tests carried out by their medical team as they tended to him on the pitch, and UEFA have backed their actions.

Although finding no concussion, the specialist advised a short rest, which may rule out Vertonghen for tomorrow’s trip to Bournemouth. IT was a reality check for Liverpool – evidence in the Nou Camp that for all the distance they have travelled, there are still crucial steps to take.

Jurgen Klopp suggested as much immediately after the sobering lesson from Barcelona, admitting it has become a season where fine margins, tight decisions, are cruelly conspiring against his club.

Liverpool played well in Spain, really well, but their Champions League dream was still crushed. And in the Premier League, they could well end up with 97 points and still not be champions.

It is the sort of heartbreak which could define careers, could destroy some. Yet the spirit in the bowels of the Nou Camp afterwards was not quite defeated, no matter the pain.

Virgil van Dijk summed up the message afterwards. If Liverpool lose tomorrow at Newcastle, Manchester City could win the title on Monday. They cannot let that happen, he said. They must believe in themselves. And believe the quality of a fine young team will be rewarded.

“We believe. We will keep believing,” said Van Dijk with a rueful smile. “Of course nobody wants what SEE PAGE 23 happened out there, it is difficult to take. But we have to deal with it.’’

“We’ve another totally different challenge straight away,” added the Holland defender in reference to the trip to St James’ Park.

“We have to stay confident for that. This shouldn’t put us down or anything and there is plenty of positives to take, even though there are things to