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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says substitutions for concussion in football should be considered.
Gunners’ Brazil defender David Luiz will miss Thursday’s Europa League game against Rapid Vienna as he continues to rebound from a head clash with Wolves forward Raúl Jiménez on Sunday.
Arsenal were criticized for allowing him to play for around 40 minutes, before being substituted at half-time.
Arteta said he could play Sunday’s north London derby in Tottenham.
“Maybe it’s a time when we can think: give these people a little more time and use a temporary substitution,” the Spaniard said.
“We have had conversations on this topic. It rarely happens in soccer, but it is common in other sports. It is just a suggestion if we want to be more protective.”
The concussion substitutes would allow for a temporary replacement while a player who had suffered a head injury was thoroughly checked for signs of concussion.
Arteta added: “If you have any doubts at any point, and you need two or five more minutes to check on someone, maybe we can think about that.
“The player wants to keep playing and the doctor has to check all the necessary boxes to make sure the player is okay to continue.
“So if we have any further questions, that’s fine, we give them a little more time than necessary, but you can’t play 10 to 15 minutes with 10 men in soccer.”
Following Sunday’s incident, in which Mexican forward Jimenez fractured his skull, former England forward Alan Shearer said “soccer needs to wake up” on concussion protocols.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson also supported calls for his presentation.
Soccer players suspected of having a concussion, either during training or at a game, should be immediately removed from the field and should not be allowed to return until appropriate treatment has been administered, in accordance with the guidelines of the Football Association.
Trials for concussion substitutes are scheduled to begin in English football next season.
Arsenal insisted that protocols were followed regarding the decision to allow Luiz to continue playing.
“Some people may have the perception that it should have continued, but fortunately we have one of the leading authorities in this country, Gary O’Driscoll, our doctor, who has a lot of experience in soccer and rugby,” said Arteta.
“He knows exactly what to do. He did all the tests. He did all the protocols so I could keep playing.”
“Everything was done in the right way and the only objective here is to protect the well-being of the player.”
