Rodrigo Bentancur left needing oxygen after sickening clash as Tottenham and Leicester stars hold heads in horror

TOTTENHAM’S Rodrigo Bentancur was knocked out cold and needed oxygen after a sickening clash against Leicester.

Players from both sides held their heads anxiously as medics rushed on in Monday’s Premier League game.

Reuters

Bentancur appeared to collide with another player and suffer an instant KO while leaping for a header at a Spurs corner in the 76th minute.

The midfielder crashed to the floor and referee Christopher Kavanagh instantly called for assistance.

The crowd at the King Power Stadium was hushed as Bentancur received prompt treatment in both teams’ Prem opener.

Blood seeped across his head but he regained consciousness and, to the clear relief of those around him, was soon able to sit up.

Bentancur was then carried off on a stretcher while being given oxygen to help his breathing.

Sky Sports reported before the end of the 1-1 draw that Bentancur was “talking” and seemingly OK.

And Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said afterwards: “We’ve got to very careful.

“The good news is he was up and talking. We’ll let the medical team take care of that.”

Getty

“I don’t have a lot of information but I know he is up and he’s communicating so he’s fine from that point of view.

But obviously a head injury and I’ll leave it in the hands of medical team now. The key thing is that he’s definitely conscious and communicating.”

Postecoglou added: “Whenever it’s a head injury and you see a player go down, I think nowadays we’re always cautious in that moment and I don’t know the actual circumstances but I know it was a head collision.”

The King Power already held unfortunate memories for the 27-year-old Uruguayan.

Bentancur ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament there in February 2023, keeping him out for eight months.

Pedro Porro had nodded Spurs in front on 29 minutes.

But half-time substitute Jamie Vardy lashed a trademark leveller 12 minutes after the break.

Then came Bentancur’s worrying moment and a length delay.

Tottenham then wasted late opportunities as they had to settle for a point.