Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nouri has suffered severe and permanent brain damage after collapsing on Saturday, the Dutch club have reported.

The 20-year-old was taken to hospital by helicopter after collapsing during the pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen in Austria. The match was abandoned.

"Ajax are deeply saddened by the news that Appie Nouri has been diagnosed with serious and permanent brain damage," the club said on Twitter.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones in this difficult time."

#StayStrongAppie https://t.co/eNT2Y9050v

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) July 13, 2017