Ajax confirm Abdelhak Nouri has suffered 'serious and permanent brain damage' after collapsing on the pitch

Ajax have confirmed Abdelhak Nouri has suffered permanent brain damage after collapsing on the pitch during a pre-season friendly versus Werder Bremen. 

The 20 year-old midfielder fell to the ground in the 73rd minute of the game and was promptly attended to by medical staff, who are reported to have performed CPR on the scene.

On Monday the club announced the Dutch midfielder's heart was functioning normally and appeared to be undamaged.

However further tests on Nouri's brain have revealed permanent damage. Ajax announced the news in a statement on their Twitter page.

"This the worst possible message. It's terrible. We feel enormously for his parents, siblings and other relatives. Their suffering is impossible to describe," said Ajax director and former Man Utd goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar. 

"The blow is also being felt at Ajax, though we knew we had to consider this scenario. They were uncertain days, lots of people in different ways have sympathised with his situation. It is greatly appreciated.

"Abdelhak is such a great talent, but unfortunately we will never know how far his star would have reached out would not have happened like this."

Former Netherlands striker Robin van Persie tweeted his support for Nouri and his family. 

The 20-year-old is expected to travel back to Amsterdam for further treatment. 

Nouri played 15 league and cup games for Ajax in 2016-17, scoring one goal in a Dutch Cup tie.