Verthonghen
Pochettino said Vertonghen wasn’t concussed because he didn’t bare his backside
The Spurs centre-back was aware enough of his surroundings and headed out of the view to get changed following his horror clash of heads
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MAURICIO POCHETTINO knew Jan Vertonghen was not concussed when he refused to bare his BACKSIDE.
An independent neurologist has confirmed the Tottenham ace did not have concussion during their 1-0 Champions League semi-final loss to Ajax after assessing him yesterday.
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Vertonghen will miss the Prem game at Bournemouth tomorrow — but could now feature in Wednesday’s Euro return in Amsterdam.
Spurs were slammed for letting Vertonghen play on after a horror collision with team-mate Toby Alderweireld left him covered in blood.
But boss Poch said: “Watch when he changed his shorts in the tunnel — he was a little bit worried about changing in front of everyone. And that behaviour made clear that he was conscious in every single moment.
“That is why, when the doctor followed the protocol, they allowed him to go back on to the pitch.”
Spurs said Vertonghen, 32, had no ill effects after the game on Tuesday.
And in a statement last night, the club revealed: “Following a thorough review over the past 48 hours by our medical staff, as well as by an independent neurologist with special interest in sports-related concussion, it has been concluded that Jan Vertonghen did not suffer a concussion.
“He was deemed fit to continue playing after an on-field assessment.
The specialist has recommended the player undertakes a brief period of rehabilitation before returning to training.
Tottenham statement
“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“Jan was immediately withdrawn as a result of the player informing medical staff that symptoms were developing suddenly and that he no longer felt stable standing up.
“The specialist has recommended the player undertakes a brief period of rehabilitation before returning to training.”
Spurs know a victory at the Cherries would seal another top-four finish — before they head to Ajax aiming to book a place in the Champions League final in Madrid.
And Pochettino told his players to take inspiration from his fellow Argentine Lionel Messi.
The superstar scored twice as Barcelona beat Liverpool 3-0 in their semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
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His second goal — a stunning free-kick — was his 600th for the club.
Pochettino said: “He’s one of the football gods.
“If we play like him in the second leg, for sure we have a chance. At Bournemouth we need to show the same desire. If not, it’s impossible.”
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