Chelsea keeper Courtois given all-clear

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Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been given the all-clear after suffering a knock to the head during Sunday’s 2-0 win against Arsenal.

The Belgian played on for 14 minutes after colliding with Alexis Sanchez but eventually had to be replaced by Petr Cech midway through the first half of the game at Stamford Bridge.

Courtois was taken to hospital as a precaution but was quickly discharged, and test results have shown no problems.

He was treated for a minor cut to his ear and is expected to report for international duty later this week.

Belgium face Andorra on Friday and Bosnia-Herzegovina next Monday in Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Brain injury charity Headway has criticised Chelsea over their handling of Courtois’ injury.

Headway chief executive Peter McCabe said it was “hard to understand how a concussion was not suspected”.

Under Premier League rules introduced this season, players must leave the pitch after suffering a head injury.

“The new rules introduced this season were designed to ensure no risks to players’ health were taken,” McCabe said in a statement.

“They clearly state that ‘If there is any suspicion of the player having sustained a concussion, they must be removed from the field of play, and not allowed to return.’

“Bleeding from one or both ears is one of the symptoms that requires an immediate visit to hospital.”

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