RODRIGO HORROR

RODRIGO BENTANCUR was rushed to hospital after a sickening fall early on in Tottenham’s clash against Liverpool.

The midfielder landed awkwardly after attempting to head the ball unchallenged at a corner just six minutes into the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Bentancur missed the ball as he dived low to reach it, and appeared to fall heavily on his right arm before hitting his head on the pitch.

He remained motionless on the spot as play continues before team-mates raised an alarm.

Pedro Porro was the first to reach his stricken pal and quickly put him in the recovery position while appearing to move his tongue so he could breathe.

Stars from both sides immediately beckoned physios and medical staff onto the pitch to attend to Bentancur.

The Uruguayan received treatment for around eight minutes and was given oxygen before being taken off on a stretcher.

Bentancur, 27, was accompanied by doctors to the dressing room and they were still with him by half-time, some 30 minutes later.

The club’s former midfielder and BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Michael Brown praised Porro and the medical team’s swift actions.

He said: “It’s a huge concern. Those players pretty much know what the injury is.

“Porro saw it early and was over there quickly. The medical team did their job and were right on top of it. We wish Rodrigo well.”

At half-time, Tottenham confirmed Bentancur was conscious in the dressing room.

An update on the club’s X account said: “We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”

After full-time, boss Ange Postecoglou added:

Postecoglou added: “It was some sort of head injury, but he was conscious when he was coming off the field.

“He’s been taken to the hospital for observation. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”

And just after midnight Bentancur posted a picture from hospital with partner Melany La Blanca on his Instagram story.

Bentancur smiled in the snap and gave a thumbs up, writing: “All good guys! Thank you for the messages!!! Congratulations for the victory boys!!!”

The worrying incident was the second time Bentancur has been knocked out this season after he clashed heads with Leicester star Abdul Fatawu during the opening game of the season.

Tottenham have been hit by an injury crisis in recent weeks and lined up with several youngsters against Liverpool, including Archie Gray at centre-back once again.

There was also a debut for Antonin Kinsky who only signed this week from Slavia Prague.

But Postecoglou’s patched-up side worked hard to earn a 1-0 win in the first leg, courtesy of a first club goal for Lucas Bergvall.

Bentancur has only recently returned from a lengthy ban after he was found guilty of using a racial slur toward team-mate Son Heung-min.

He missed seven games through suspension and returned against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day. — Sun.