Chelsea Backed Over Courtois  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea observed the correct procedures when they allowed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to continue playing after he sustained a head injury against Arsenal, according to FIFA's chief medical officer Michel D'Hooghe.

Courtois hurt his head in a heavy collision with Alexis Sanchez during Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League win over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The 22-year-old played on after being assessed by the club’s medical staff, but he was forced off 14 minutes later.

New Premier League rules introduced this season mean players suspected of having lost consciousness have to be substituted, but D'Hooghe said Chelsea's first-team doctor Eva Carneiro had handled the situation correctly.

"I think sincerely that, first of all, the team doctor, the lady of Chelsea, did a correct examination," he said.

"She came to the conclusion that he could go on, but she kept an eye on him and from the moment he didn't feel well - which can happen in concussions - they took the right decision to take him off."

Belgium international Courtois was subsequently taken to hospital, but he was given the all-clear on Monday after receiving treatment for a minor cut on his ear.