Concussed Cirkin may face Royals
DENNIS Cirkin could be passed fit for Sunderland’s weekend game against Reading – provided his recovery under the FA’s concussion protocols continues according to plan, writes JAMES HUNTER.
Left-back Cirkin was left unconscious after suffering a head injury as he headed the Black Cats’ equaliser at Millwall on Saturday, although after lengthy treatment he was able to walk off the pitch.
Any player who suffers concussion must follow a strict set of guidelines.
An initial rest period is followed by light exercise, football-specific training such as running drills, then non-contact training and then full-contact training – with tests to be performed at every stage – before being considered ready to resume playing.
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray said Cirkin had done nothing on Sunday and Monday but was due to take part in the light exercise stage yesterday.
Cirkin cannot be considered for tonight’s FA Cup fourth round replay against Fulham at the Stadium of Light but, assuming his recovery goes without a hitch, he could be available for Saturday.
However, if there is any doubt over the 20-year-old’s condition, he will sit that game out.
Mowbray said yesterday: “With concussion, they have to get back to a point where they have a clean bill of health.
“Yesterday Dennis did not have a clean bill of health – he couldn’t do anything.
“Today in our morning meeting there was an assessment and we were hopeful he could get on a bike today and start showing he was fine.
“There is a timescale. He won’t make tomorrow night.
“We will have to see but if he is fine today and on a bike today, then if he works Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and shows no signs then there is a chance he could be ready for Saturday.”
Cirkin was making his return from a hip injury at Millwall, having been out of action since the Boxing Day win against Blackburn Rovers on Wearside.
He had been on the field at The Den for only 14 minutes when his brave header from Alex Pritchard’s free-kick brought the goal that earned Sunderland a point – but in the process he was accidentally punched in the head by Millwall goalkeeper George Long and it was that which left the defender concussed.