Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois' return to play prompts brain injury charity's concerns
A BRAIN injury charity has questioned why goalkeeper Thiabut Courtois played on for 13 minutes after suffering a blow to the head during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Arsenal yesterday.
Headway have expressed concern over the decision to allow Thibaut Courtois to return to play[AFP]
The Belgian was injured when he collided with Alexis Sanchez and was cleared to carry on before being replaced by Petr Cech before half-time but the incident brought back memories of Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris' worrying head injury last season, which prompted the Premier League and FA to introduce new rules.
However, brain injury association Headway has expressed concern over the decision to initially allow Courtois to carry on.
“The new rules introduced this season were designed to ensure no risks to players’ health were taken,” said Peter McCabe, chief executive of Headway.
“They clearly state that ‘If there is any suspicion of the player having sustained a concussion, they must be removed from the field of play, and not allowed to return.’
Jose Mourinho post-match Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
This incident calls into question whether these rules are working effectively
Peter McCabe
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“This incident calls into question whether these rules are working effectively. For example, was the third ‘tunnel doctor’ consulted on the decision to allow Courtois to continue? If so, did he or she agree that there was no suspicion of concussion?
“From television footage alone, it is difficult to assess the severity of any injury and the decision of the medical team assessing the player has to be respected.
"However, it is hard to understand how a concussion was not suspected following the sickening clash.
“Bleeding from one or both ears is one of the symptoms to look out for that requires an immediate visit or return to hospital following a head injury.
"The fact that the bleeding only became apparent 15 minutes after the injury also demonstrates the evolving nature of concussion and highlights why a safety-first approach must be taken with all head injuries.”