Thomas Frank was forced into an early substitution against Chelsea and could be without a key player.
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Tottenham Hotspur could be without a key midfielder for the visit of Manchester United next weekend with Premier League rules expected to rule the star out of action.
Thomas Frank’s side failed to win again at home in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday evening but return to action at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium twice over the next six days, with a chance to put things right.
Spurs host FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night in Champions League action before then welcoming Manchester United in the early 12:30 kick-off on Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder suffers Chelsea concussion
Frank handed Lucas Bergvall his first Premier League start in four matches against Chelsea but the 19-year-old lasted just seven minutes in an unconventional left wing position before being taken off with a head injury.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struck a volley which smashed into Bergvall’s head from close range, leaving the Spurs star dazed and falling to the ground. The midfielder tried to get up and carry on but held the side of his head and looked confused.
Tottenham Hotspur medical staff tended to the player with the necessary concussion checks but ruled that he was not able to continue. That left Bergvall angry as he could be seen pushing the medical staff out of the way, before eventually heading down the tunnel with Frank needing to intervene.
The Spurs manager turned to Xavi Simons off the bench but the summer signing looked off the pace in the fixture, eventually being taken back off in the second half. Simons’ performance points at a need for Bergvall to be back soon, but the London outfit may have to be patient.
The Swedish international has impressed this season. Having been labelled as ‘unstoppable’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola last term, he was also hailed by the Swedish media during the October international break for his passionate performances as the nation struggled.
Speaking after the match, Frank said: “That was a concussion. So he totally couldn't stay on and I think the medical team did a good job in that aspect.
“Of course, we would have loved to have him continue. That's why we picked him in the starting XI. Unfortunately, that couldn't happen. So others will step in. Xavi knew the game plan.”
Lucas Bergvall a doubt for Manchester United clash
Bergvall must now follow a concussion protocol which, to a great extent, takes his recovery timeframe out of his own hands. The FA and Premier League have strict ‘return to play’ guidelines for players after a suspected concussion.
Essentially, this means that Bergvall will not be able to play a competitive game for six days. Sky Sports explains: “The guidelines work on a step-by-step basis, with a player only allowed to progress a step every 24 hours - although this process can often take longer. The steps are: No physical activity, light aerobic exercise, sport specific exercise, non-contact training drills, full contact training, return to play (after an all-clear from the club's medical officer).”
That means that Bergvall will certainly miss out against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night and faces a race against time to make the matchday squad to take on Manchester United. If his reaction to the substitution is anything to go by, the midfielder will be desperate to be back for that match, but will have to follow Premier League regulations.
In other news, Daniel Sturridge praises 'exemplary' Chelsea player for 9/10 Tottenham performance.