It was obvious that Lucas Bergvall got his bell well and truly rung early on in the 1-0 home loss to Chelsea two weeks ago. The Swedish international midfielder took a ball to the noggin inside two minutes and looked dazed on the pitch, even as he was getting looked over by Tottenham Hotspur’s physios. If this were five years ago, he’d likely have been allowed to continue, but Premier League’s concussion protocol mandated that he be withdrawn after exhibiting symptoms. He missed the rest of the match as well as Tottenham’s next two matches against Copenhagen in the Champions League and the 2-2 draw vs. Manchester United.
It was thought that he was ready to ease back into competition during the international break after he was called up to play for Sweden in World Cup qualifiers at Switzerland and home to Slovenia. But Swedish outlet Aftonbladet reported yesterday that Bergvall has withdrawn from camp and returned to London after a “setback in training.”
The Sweden football federation made the following announcement, which confirms Bergvall is still exhibiting long-tail effects from the concussion:
“Lucas Bergvall will not be available for selection in the men’s national team’s next two matches due to the after-effects of the concussion he sustained in the Tottenham-Chelsea match on 1 November.”
“We had agreed with Tottenham’s doctor to do some tests during the week and then go full speed so that Lucas could feel how he was. When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don’t want to take any risks.”
It’s certainly a bummer for Lucas, but it remains the right call to prioritize the health and safety of an athlete. Concussions are no joke, but they were almost treated as one for a long time in football, and it’s good that this has changed. While getting some playing time minutes under his belt for Sweden could’ve been a good thing for Lucas as he works his way back to fitness, it wouldn’t be if he’s still in recovery, which he clearly is.
This means the earliest Bergvall might be available is Tottenham’s next match — the North London Derby next weekend — or possibly the Champions League match away at PSG.