Ajax's Abdelhak Nouri out of intensive care after collapsing in pre-season

Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nouri has left intensive care two-and-a-half weeks after suffering permanent brain damage having collapsed during a pre-season friendly. The 20-year-old has been moved to a 'medium care' department, is no longer in an induced coma and can breathe on his own, the club said in a statement issued on behalf of his family. The statement said there was no change to the overall outlook, though, with Nouri " stable, but with severe and lasting brain damage". Nouri collapsed during a match with Werder Bremen in Hippach, Austria, on July 8. Tuesday's statement added: "The Nouri family once again thanks everyone who has given their support and asks everyone to continue to pray for Abdelhak."

Source: PA