A Swedish national team official has explained why Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall has been withdrawn from training with his national side.
Lucas Bergvall suffered a concussion against Chelsea a week and a half ago and was forced off in just the seventh minute of the contest.
Bergvall subsequently missed Tottenham’s matches against Copenhagen and Manchester United, but he linked up with the Sweden squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia.
Earlier this week, Sweden boss Graham Potter revealed that the hope was for Bergvall to join full training on Thursday, but the 19-year-old has suffered a setback.
Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall did not pass the medical tests
It emerged on Friday morning that Bergvall has withdrawn from the Swedish squad entirely due to fitness issues.
National team official Stefan Pettersson has now revealed that the Tottenham Hotspur man was put through some tests, and it was decided that he should not be risked after he had ‘a reaction’.
Pettersson told Sportbladet: “Lucas was of course very disappointed. We had agreed with Tottenham’s doctor to do some tests during the week and then drive at full speed so that Lucas would feel it properly. When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don’t want to take any risks.”
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How long can Bergvall be ruled out of action?
According to the FA’s rule book, there is an expectation of gradual return-to-play (GRTP) for concussed players, which can last as long as 21 days.
The North London derby at the Emirates will be played on September 23, which comes 22 days after the clash against Chelsea.
However, one would expect the teenager’s safety to be prioritised above all, and Tottenham would likely not risk rushing him back if he does not pass the necessary tests ahead of the big game.