Ajax midfielder Nouri suffers 'permanent brain damage'

Ajax have confirmed their player Abdelhak Nouri has suffered "severe and permanent" brain damage.

The midfielder collapsed during a recent pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen and was transported to hospital where he was placed into a coma.

A lack of oxygen supply to the brain following his collapse is what is thought to have caused the damage.

It is expected Nouri will soon travel to Amsterdam for further treatment, but the chances of recovery are low.

Nouri collapsed during a pre-season friendly. Credit: PA

The Amsterdam-born youngster is highly thought of at Ajax, having made his debut at the start of last season.

Nouri, 20, won the Jupiler League Player of the Season award for 2016-17 thanks to his impressive performances for the club's second team, Ajax Jong.

Nouri was transported to hospital in an air ambulance. Credit: PA