Thursday 9 October 2014 16:50, UK
Chelsea observed the correct procedures when they allowed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to continue playing after he sustained a head injury against Arsenal, according to FIFA's chief medical officer Michel D'Hooghe.
Courtois hurt his head in a heavy collision with Alexis Sanchez during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League win over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The 22-year-old played on after being assessed by the club’s medical staff, but he was forced off 14 minutes later.
New Premier League rules introduced this season mean players suspected of having lost consciousness have to be substituted, but D'Hooghe said Chelsea's first-team doctor Eva Carneiro had handled the situation correctly.
"I think sincerely that, first of all, the team doctor, the lady of Chelsea, did a correct examination," he said.
"She came to the conclusion that he could go on, but she kept an eye on him and from the moment he didn't feel well - which can happen in concussions - they took the right decision to take him off."
Belgium international Courtois was subsequently taken to hospital, but he was given the all-clear on Monday after receiving treatment for a minor cut on his ear.
The symptoms of many injuries, including concussion, are not always immediately clear and D'Hooghe has revealed the introduction of rolling substitutions could take the pressure off medical staff to make snap judgements.
"It is not only a problem for concussion but for in all cases of injuries that have to be treated," he said.
"For the moment FIFA don't accept rolling substitutions but it is certainly a discussion point for FIFA in the future - if a player has to have more air but could eventually come back.
"There are pros and cons to that. If you allow the player to sit on the bench for 15 minutes and come back to the field without a warm-up his risk of muscle injuries are greater for example.
"There are of course positive arguments too - the decision at the moment is not to allow them but who knows in the future?"
