Vertonghen To See Specialist

Tottenham have confirmed Jan Vertonghen is to see a neurologist today after suffering a worrying head injury against Ajax.

The 32-year-old Belgium international had to be helped from the pitch during Tuesday evening’s 1-0 Champions League semi-final, first-leg defeat after initially being allowed to play on following lengthy treatment.

Related: Pochettino Backs Spurs Medical Team

Spurs insisted on Wednesday evening that Vertonghen had not lost consciousness after colliding with team-mate Toby Alderweireld as the pair challenged for a high ball, and while they confirmed he had suffered no ill-effects in the 24 hours since, he is to be assessed by a specialist.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Jan Vertonghen has undergone further assessment today after sustaining a head injury in last night’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Ajax. He also suffered a small cut to his nose that was bleeding heavily.

“The Belgium defender was assessed on the pitch yesterday immediately after the incident with our medical team strictly following Football Association concussion guidelines.

“Following testing he was judged to be alert and answered all questions correctly and lucidly, deeming him fit to return to the field of play. “All available video footage was relayed to our on-pitch medical team and they were able to confirm that he had suffered no loss of consciousness.

“Jan was immediately withdrawn as a result of the player informing medical staff that symptoms were developing suddenly and that he no longer felt stable standing up.

“Tests today have been clear and testing will continue for the next few days. Additionally, as is standard club policy with certain injuries, we shall also be seeking independent advice and Jan is due to see a neurologist, who specialises in elite athletes, tomorrow. The player has reported no ill-effects today.”