Vertonghen D-Day over concussion
SPURS STAR TO DISCOVER EXTENT OF HEAD INJURY
TOTTENHAM centre back Jan Vertonghen will see a neurologist today to determine whether he suffered concussion against Ajax on Tuesday night.
The Belgian had a series of cerebral tests yesterday after taking a sickening blow to the head in the Champions League loss on Tuesday. As was the case after the incident, Vertonghen was given the all-clear yesterday — an indication the defender did not suffer concussion.
But he will see a specialist today to provide a clearer sign of whether he is suffering from delayed concussion, which can often appear days after the incident.
If Vertonghen is cleared again it would, in theory, pave the way for him to play again this season.
It is understood he will not play against Bournemouth on Saturday and Tottenham staff already have serious reservations about giving the all- clear for him to play in next week’s second leg in Amsterdam.
Tottenham were criticised for allowing Hugo Lloris to play on against Everton in 2013 after the keeper momentarily lost consciousness.
Vertonghen is said to have felt much better yesterday, although he did feel pain in his nose which required two stitches after his three - way collision with team-mate Toby Alderweireld and Ajax keeper Andre Onana.
Tottenham medics studied various camera angles of the incident yesterday and established that Vertonghen did not lose consciousness.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, after consulting his medics, allowed Vertonghen to return to the field but it soon became apparent he couldn’t continue.
Vertonghen was allowed to stay at the stadium for the duration of the game and wasn’t taken immediately to hospital. He was walking freely and allowed to travel home with his family after the match — however, it is understood his partner had to drive him home.
In a statement yesterday Spurs insisted their medical team strictly followed Football Association concussion guidelines, claiming initial tests deemed him fit to return to the field of play.
A UEFA statement read: ‘Based on the reports of UEFA’s officials at the match, the concussion procedure was respected.’