Mertens has concussion

By Football Italia staff

Napoli winger Dries Mertens has concussion and will stay in hospital for 24 hours after a clash of heads in Belgium-Wales.

Mertens fell unconscious to the ground following a violent collision with George Williams in the 0-0 draw in Brussels.

He had regained consciousness after being stretchered off, but Napoli now confirm he has been diagnosed with concussion.

Mertens will remain in hospital for 24 hours under observation before further tests, but an initial examination showed no lesions.

He had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes as a substitute when forced off again.

“It was a tough blow and the medical staff was scared, seeing as Dries had lost consciousness,” Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told reporters.

“He was conscious when stretchered off and could move all four of his limbs. I remember how I felt after the clash with Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal, which was less serious than this one. I was dazed for a week...”

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