Despite coming away eventual winners at the Emirates, the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ thoughts would not have been on the three points, but instead with teammate Raul Jimenez.
The forward suffered a fractured skull following a collision with Arsenal defender David Luiz. The incident, in truth, looked likely to be a bad one as soon as it occurred.
The Wolves forward, stretchered off and taken to hospital, is said to be ‘comfortable’ following an operation to his fractured skull.
Jimenez ‘Comfortable’ Following Operation
Time to Test Concussion Substitutions?
Following the incident, the question has been raised at whether it is time to trial the concussion substitutions concept in which teams would be allowed an extra sub should an incident such as last night’s occur.
The FA were planning to trial this concept in the new year, but last night’s incident seriously questions this decision to wait longer than necessary to trial a clearly needed concept.
Had Wolves used all three subs, they would have had to play the game with 10 men, leaving them at a disadvantage.
The same applies to Arsenal. Perhaps the reason why Luiz didn’t exit the field in the first half is because Mikel Arteta didn’t want to use up one of his three permitted changes.
Teams should not have to worry about this, and the concussion sub concept would allow them to consider the safety of a player as the main priority.
Statement From Wolves
Wolves released the following update on the forward’s condition this morning, saying:
“Raul is comfortable following an operation last night, which he underwent in a London hospital.
“He has since seen his partner Daniela and is now resting. He will remain under observation for a few days while he begins his recovery.
“The club would like to thank the medical staff at Arsenal, the NHS paramedics, hospital staff and surgeons who, through their skill and early response, were of such help.
“The club ask that Raul and his family are now afforded a period of space and privacy, before any further updates are provided in due course.”
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