Collapse victim Nouri's brain scan clear: Ajax

The Hague (AFP) – Abdelhak Nouri’s brain appears to be functioning normally according to a preliminary scan following the player’s weekend collapse, his club Ajax said on Tuesday.

“A brain scan and other neurological tests have not detected any anomalies,” the Dutch side announced in a statement.

Ajax say the stricken player will be gradually awoken from an induced coma by doctors over the next 24 hours when more detailed tests can be carried out.

The 20-year-old Amsterdam-born midfielder suffered irregular heart problems in a pre-season friendly against Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in Austria on Saturday.

On Monday, Ajax said Nouri’s heart was “functioning normally and appeared to be undamaged”.

After his collapse the player, one of Ajax’s up-and-coming prospects, was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Innsbruck.

Footballers and fans have taken to Twitter to send the young midfielder good wishes, under the hashtag #StayStrongAppie.

The hospital treating him say his family “are taking enormous strength in the many messages of support” and added they have called on fans “to pray” for the young footballer.

Nouri made his debut for Ajax in September last year in a Dutch Cup match against Willem II, scoring a goal.

He was also name Jupiler Player of the Season 2016-17 for his contribution in the second-tier Jong Ajax or “Young Ajax” team.