MIKEL ARTETA is backing the call for concussion subs following David Luiz’s horrific clash of heads with Raul Jimenez.
Wolves striker Jimenez suffered a fractured skull while Luiz sustained a deep wound which eventually forced him out of Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat on Sunday.
Luiz and Jimenez suffered the horrific clash of heads on Sunday[/caption]
Arteta defended the decision to allow Luiz to continue for 40 minutes but said: “When you have one player with a massive concussion whose life is under threat and another who is bleeding, maybe we can give people a bit more time by using a temporary substitution.
“If you have any doubts and you need some extra time to check on a player, you can’t play on for ten or 15 minutes with ten men.
“So if we are going to be extra cautious, maybe it’s an option to have a temporary replacement.
“Some people have questioned whether David should have been allowed to continue on Sunday but our doctor, Gary O’Driscoll, is one of the leading concussion authorities in this country.
“He did all the testing and followed all the protocols and we were very comfortable for him to carry on playing.
“David was totally aware of the situation and was constantly asking about Raul.
He wanted to carry on but the doctor had to tick all the necessary boxes.
“He had a really nasty cut which we are still monitoring but he is feeling fine and I think he’ll be fit to play at Tottenham on Sunday if the scar is healing properly and he is comfortable heading the ball.”
Mikel Arteta has called for concussion substitutes[/caption]
Before Arsenal face their North London rivals on Sunday, however, they face Rapid Vienna in the Europa League tomorrow night.
The Gunners are already through to the competition’s round of 32.
But the occasion will be made special by the return of 2,000 fans to Emirates Stadium.
Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
