Is EC in danger? Anderlecht and Tedesco hope that Jan Vertonghen’s injury will not be too bad

Anderlecht are not doing well in terms of injuries in these Champions’ Play-offs: after Hazard dropped out with a serious injury against Union and Dreyer and Schmeichel with minor muscle injuries against Cercle, it was now Vertonghen’s turn to abandon the match prematurely. Just after the half hour mark, Vertonghen signaled for Augustinsson to kick the ball outside. The Anderlecht captain felt something in his groin and sat down. Vertonghen tried to continue after treatment, but ultimately had to be replaced.

“I don’t think it is a serious injury, but we don’t have any details yet,” Anderlecht coach Brian Riemer said after the match. “He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks. Of course he was disappointed, Jan wants to take the team by the hand and it hurts to have to leave injured in such matches.”

Sterke Gattoni

The Purple & White hopes that Vertonghen’s injury will not be too bad. Anderlecht – unlike title rivals Union and Club Brugge – does not play midweek football, but the home match against Genk is already waiting for Saturday. A boost: Gattoni replaced Vertonghen with brio. The Argentinian has not really disappointed in a purple and white shirt, but could not always hide the lack of match rhythm in the few chances he had. The Seville loanee felt comfortable against Nilsson. He was unyielding in the duels.

“I can only tip my hat to Gattoni,” said Riemer. “It is not easy to replace the man who will lead Belgium at the upcoming European Championship in such a match. He has a different character from Jan, but he plays with just as much passion. Sometimes maybe a little too much of the South American type,” the Danish coach referred to the sometimes hard – but correct – tackles of the Argentinian.

National coach Domenico Tedesco will undoubtedly also monitor the developments surrounding Vertonghen’s injury: the record international is still a basic player and in 43 days the Belgians will play their opening match of the European Championship against Slovakia. If it turns out to be a muscle tear, it will be a race against time to get Vertonghen fit.