Jan Bednarek suspected of concussion after FC Porto's match against Vitória Guimarães

Jan Bednarek did not finish Sunday's Portuguese league match in round 11, in which FC Porto beat Vitória Guimarães 2-1. The Polish defender was hit in the face by the ball in the second half. The club and the coach speak of a suspected concussion.

How the injury happened

After a hard shot from Arnel Jakupović, the ball hit Bednarek on the left side of his face. The player looked clearly dazed and complained of problems with the vision in his left eye. After the medical staff stepped in, he could not continue playing.

FC Porto made a special substitution provided for under the concussion protocol. Nehuen Perez replaced Bednarek. The referee showed a purple card, which in Portugal signals that the procedure for a suspected head injury has been triggered.

What the coach said

After the match, FC Porto coach Francesco Farioli spoke about the situation. "It's a serious concussion. When he was leaving the pitch, he couldn't see," the Italian said. He added that the club must follow the protocol. According to the coach, Bednarek was due to undergo detailed tests during the night after the match.

Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV reported that the loss of vision was a result of the blow and the suspected concussion.

Health condition and next steps

According to Portuguese media, Bednarek has had his first tests and is due to be assessed by doctors again within the next 24 hours. As Sportowe Fakty reports, FC Porto has not yet published an official statement with the test results or an expected date for his return to training.

A Bola, Record and Sport TV all say the key point is the suspected concussion and temporary loss of vision. There is no confirmation of permanent damage to the eye. His return to playing will depend on the symptoms subsiding and on the further stages of the medical protocol.

The match and the national team

FC Porto's winning goal was scored in the 86th minute by Martim Fernandes. Farioli's team have now won all 11 of their 11 league matches.

Bednarek has been called up for the November Poland national team camp. The Poles will play two Nations League matches: away to Romania and, on 17 November, at home to Sweden in Gdańsk. The defender's involvement in these matches has not yet been confirmed.