Worries at Spurs
©IMAGO
This article was updated in the second paragraph after the player spoke out on a social media channel.
Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and then taken to hospital during the EFL Cup game against Liverpool FC on Wednesday evening (1-0). The 27-year-old from Uruguay had previously been lying face down on the grass and had to receive medical treatment. What exactly happened was initially unclear.
Update January 9, 2025, 8 a.m: After his collapse on the football field, Bentancur took to social media with an optimistic post. “It’s all good, guys!” wrote the Uruguayan on Instagram about a selfie in which he can be seen with his partner. The 27-year-old smiles and gives his right thumb up. “Thanks for the messages!!!,” he also wrote and congratulated his team on their 1-0 win over Liverpool FC.
Bentancur went down after a corner in the first leg of the semi-final. Initially, no external influence could be seen on the TV images. He tried to reach the ball with his head in the sixth minute, but that didn’t work. He then rolled around in pain before apparently remaining motionless with his arms outstretched.
Medical staff ran onto the field to help after a slight delay. The players on both teams quickly realized that the situation was serious and wanted to help. The fans then applauded as Bentancur was carried off the pitch. At that point it was 0-0. The Spurs won in the end thanks to a late goal from Lucas Bergvall (86th). The game was the semi-final first leg of the League Cup. Late in the evening, several media outlets reported that Bentancur was conscious and responsive. He was taken to hospital for further tests.