Tottenham Midfielder Sidelined Due to Concussion Protocol

The 2024/25 Premier League campaign hasn’t started on the best note for Tottenham Hotspur. A point away at newly promoted Leicester City isn’t disastrous, but considering how Ange Postecoglou’s side dominated large portions of the game and created numerous chances, it feels more like two points dropped rather than one earned.

Bentancur’s Injury Blow

In addition to dropping points in the first game of the new season, Tottenham suffered a major setback when Rodrigo Bentancur clashed heads with Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu during a corner kick. The incident occurred in the 78th minute, causing extreme panic and concern among those at the scene and viewers alike.

The central midfielder lay motionless on the ground as physios and doctors rushed to his aid. Bentancur required over five minutes of treatment before being carried off the pitch with 12 minutes remaining. He regained consciousness and received oxygen treatment before being stretchered off.

Health Update on Bentancur

Following the game, head coach Ange Postecoglou provided a positive update on Bentancur’s condition. However, given the severity of the head injury and the use of a concussion substitute against Leicester, it was inevitable that Bentancur would miss the next Premier League game.

Daniel Fernandez, Bentancur’s physical trainer, confirmed that the player will not feature for Spurs against Everton on Saturday.

“Due to Premier League protocol, Rodrigo will not be able to play in the next match,” Fernandez said on Radio Sport 890 (h/t ESPN).

“The fall worried me because such spontaneous blows to the head in that type of play are dangerous, but luckily nothing serious happened. He is now stable, he is fine. He was rehabilitated in the locker room, and they are going to do a preventive MRI to see how he is. At least he is back to normal now.

Obviously, he will have to be careful this week because these blows sometimes have consequences after 24 or 48 hours. Luckily it was a blow to the side of his face, he is a little swollen, and we hope he recovers.”

Premier League Concussion Protocol

Premier League officials have introduced a concussion protocol to minimize the risk of brain damage and other complications related to head injuries. The new rules allowing unlimited substitutions for concussion-related injuries, known as “concussion substitutions,” are a commendable measure to help managers navigate such unexpected incidents on the field.

The good news for everyone associated with Tottenham is that Bentancur is responding well after the head clash, according to his personal trainer. The Uruguayan has dealt with a fair share of injury issues recently, and this is just the latest setback keeping him out of Big Ange’s starting XI. We wish him a full recovery and hope he returns to the pitch soon.

Impact on Team Selection

Bentancur’s absence due to the concussion protocol should create an opportunity for either Lucas Bergvall or Archie Gray to start against Everton. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma, who was suspended by the club after the laughing gas incident, may also be unavailable for selection on Saturday, though his status remains uncertain.