Liverpool Loanee Goalkeeper Kamil Grabara Hospitalized After Head Injury

To put it mildly, concussion protocol isn’t quite what it needs to be in football. As we saw first-hand with Loris Karius, that is probably even more true with goalkeepers.

But when the footballer in question is knocked out following a collision, it usually makes the call much easier on the physios. Sadly, this was the case with Liverpool’s own Kamil Grabara last night in Hudderfield Town’s 2-1 win over Hull City.

It was a scary moment. Grabara was unconscious for a time and didn’t know where he was when he finally came around. The goalkeeper needed to be carried off by a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.

The win edged the Terriers 6 points above the drop zone in the Championship, and the Huddersfield manager Danny Cowley commented on the situation after the match.

“It was a very important win in our season, but obviously our thoughts are with Kamil Grabara,” Cowley said. “He’s a young boy, and you never want to see that in football.

“He didn’t know where he was when he came round, so he was rushed to hospital and he is in good hands.

“Kamil had a neck brace on and I wasn’t able to speak with him. It was difficult for the team because the boys are all very close and they are worried for him, but they stuck at it and got an important win.”

Traumatic head injuries shouldn’t need to be this bad to get this kind of treatment. Concussions are dangerous business, and the sport should change its rules to reflect the latest medical knowledge.

FIFA should seriously look into adding a fourth sub for medical emergencies, including concussions. The players’ long-term, post-football health is too important.

In the meantime, hopefully Huddersfield’s medical staff don’t rush Grabara’s return, and give him ample time to recover.