Tottenham target Van Hecke faces eye tests after facial injury in Holland's World Cup draw with Japan

Jan Paul van Hecke is set to undergo assessment by Dutch national team medical staff after the Brighton centre-back sustained significant swelling to his right eye during the Netherlands’ 2-2 World Cup Group F draw with Japan in Dallas.

The injury, caused by a kick to the face, worsened as the match progressed, and images of the bruising — taken as Van Hecke greeted family in the stands after the final whistle — have raised further concern. The 26-year-old has since confirmed the damage affected his vision during the game.

“He kicked me in the eye with all his might,” Van Hecke said. “I was heading for the ball, so I thought something might happen. At some point, it definitely affected my vision. I can’t see very well on that side right now. I hope it will get a little better in a few days. I think it will swell up a bit more later, but that’s also part of the game.”

Despite the injury, Van Hecke completed the full 90 minutes as Ronald Koeman’s Oranje surrendered leads on two separate occasions. The Netherlands twice took the lead — the second time through Crysencio Summerville — only to be pegged back each time by Japan.

Van Hecke was critical of his side’s defensive shape after restoring their advantage. “We scored two fantastic goals, but personally, I think we dropped back a little too much,” he said. “If we had kept putting pressure on the opponent, we could have made the game easier for ourselves. You have to keep defending high up the pitch. Sometimes it’s difficult, but I think we could have done better.”

The injury concern comes at a delicate moment in Van Hecke’s club future. Tottenham have had two bids for the defender rejected by Brighton and remain in discussions over a deal. Van Hecke is said to have made clear his desire to join Spurs, where he would reunite with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle have also monitored the player, though he is understood to favour a move to north London.

With Van Hecke entering the final year of his Brighton contract, the pressure on both clubs to reach an agreement is growing. His former club NAC Breda hold a 7.5% sell-on clause and stand to receive a cut of any transfer profit.

Tottenham have already added Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively this summer as they continue to reshape their squad.