The FA have criticised Chelsea for their handling of Oscar’s head injury during their draw with Arsenal, reports the Daily Mail.
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The 23-year-old suffered a knock to the head in a challenge with the Gunners’ David Ospina in the 16th minute of the encounter. However, the Brazilian wasn’t taken off until half time, potentially putting him in danger after suffering a concussion. He was only substituted after the physios realised that the midfielder had some facial swelling, which ‘scared’ them according to Jose Mourinho.
The medical team knew that he had suffered a concussion after he exhibited a ‘fencing’ response. To make matters worse the youngster played against Leicester City just four days afterwards. Premier League guidelines state that any player who is concussed must wait six days before playing again.
The Blues probably won’t mind this, with Oscar playing an important part in their final push for the top flight title. The Stamford Bridge outfit haven’t been champions since 2010, and it appears that they are willing to risk their health in order to win again.
Dr. Willie Stewart, a member of the FA’s expert concussion panel, said: “It’s hard to accept ‘we didn’t see it’ applies in this case. But even if we do believe that, his appearing three days later on the bench seems at odds with all current concussion protocols. It is completely unacceptable that this kind of practice continues.”