Nov 11, 2023 at 5:43 PM Update: an hour ago
Etienne Vaessen made his return to RKC Waalwijk on Saturday. The goalkeeper, who was resuscitated six weeks ago during the match against Ajax, defended the goal at RKC in the Eredivisie match lost 0-1 against Go Ahead Eagles.
The 28-year-old Vaessen resumed group training at the Brabant club two weeks ago. He trained with a helmet and he also wore it during the match against Go Ahead in the Mandemakers Stadium.
The goalkeeper helmet makes Vaessen feel more confident. Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech wore a similar headgear in the final years of his career.
On September 30, Vaessen was hit hard on the head by the foot of striker Bryan Brobbey in the final phase of the match against Ajax. He was resuscitated, although it turned out that nothing was wrong with his heart.
The goalkeeper quickly regained consciousness and suffered a concussion from the incident. After a few weeks of rest he was able to train again.
Etienne Vaessen could not prevent Go Ahead Eagles from winning. Photo: Pro Shots
‘Decision in consultation with doctors’
Vaessen was replaced in recent weeks by Mark Spenkelink and Jeroen Houwen. On Friday it was announced that Vaessen would be part of the RKC match selection for the first time against Go Ahead. Trainer Henk Fraser therefore chose to immediately put him in the starting line-up.
“You make this decision in consultation, of course, especially with the doctors,” Fraser said to Go Ahead shortly before the match about his choice to let Vaessen start.
“You also look at the training sessions, of course. Prior to the KNVB Cup match with FC Utrecht, Etienne stopped three penalties in training, but then the doctors thought it was too early. He has continued that line, now he can start. He is the undisputed number one, but the others have done excellently.”
Image: Pro Shots
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EredivisieRKC Waalwijk Football
2023-11-11 20:10:59
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