Rodrigo Bentancur was forced off against Liverpool on Wednesday night in worrying circumstances and an update has now been provided.
Liverpool have learned that Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a concussion during their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. His manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed the news; adding the north London club will follow protocol for his return.
The Reds' latest match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium began with worrying scenes as Bentancur did not rise from the turf after attempting a flicked header inside Liverpool's penalty area. Play was halted for nine minutes as Spurs' doctors rushed to his aid until he could be stretchered off the field.
However, an update has been provided. Postecoglou was, naturally, pressed on the Uruguay international during his latest pre-match press conference.
"Mostly positive news, he obviously went to hospital after the game," said Postecoglou. "He was concussed and they did every check needed to do, and I understand he's gone home now.
"So that's real positive news for us. It was a bit of a distressing situation to deal with for everyone.
"I think the players, Pedro [Porro] did a great job initially of notifying the medical team, he did a great job. Now it's just about recovery for him. There are set protocols in place but aside from those set protocols, so we'll make sure we give him as much time as he needs to get back."
While fortunately avoiding something more serious, concussions are not taken lightly in football. The FA demand up to 48 hours out of action before a "gradual" and "managed" return to play.
That said, the concussion was not recognised during Liverpool's match on Wednesday night - and so Bentancur's exit was not recorded as a concussion substitution - which would have allowed the home team one extra change later in the match. Spurs would go on to win the first leg under controversial circumstances, with midfielder Lucas Bergvall scoring a late winner after moments earlier escaping a second booking for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas - one that meant the Reds were temporarily reduced to 10 men for the goal-scoring attack.