Sunderland's Patrick van Aanholt insists he has no health issues
Wednesday 21 September 2016 11:41, UK
Sunderland full-back Patrick van Aanholt has insisted there are no issues with his health following his late withdrawal from the team to face Tottenham on Sunday.
The Dutchman was replaced by Jason Denayer in the Black Cats' starting line-up at White Hart Lane shortly before the game, which Sunderland lost 1-0.
There was plenty of speculation about the reason for the change, but Sunderland boss David Moyes revealed on Tuesday that Van Aanholt had been pulled out of the team after the club received the results of a standard cardiology scan.
The results are believed to have been given to Sunderland by an independent expert cardiologist, who also works for the Football Association Consensus Panel, and they were advised not to play him.
However, Van Aanholt has since undergone further checks and he has been cleared to feature in the Sunderland squad for Wednesday's EFL Cup third-round tie against QPR at Loftus Road.
The 26-year-old Dutchman also confirmed to Voetbal International that he is fit to play and that there are no problems with his heart.
He said: "I was indeed surprised, because there is really nothing to worry about. I've been sick last week. I picked up a virus and that would have crept in my body, possibly even to my heart.
"We had to make a scan, but the scan is offered late or too late at the FA and therefore I had to sit in the stand. I felt nothing in my heart. I'm just fit."
The FA confirmed on Tuesday that it had no involvement in the player's referral, the screening process or the communication of the results with the club.
