Dennis Cirkin could be passed fit to be involved in Sunderland's weekend game against Reading - provided his recovery under the FA's concussion protocols continues according to plan. 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.
But any player who suffers concussion must follow a strict set of guidelines, with an initial rest period 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 that Cirkin had done nothing on Sunday and Monday, but was due to take part in the light exercise stage today.
Cirkin cannot be considered for tomorrow'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's Championship game at home to Reading - although if there is any doubt over his condition, he will sit that game out. "With concussion, they have to get back to a point where they have a clean bill of health," said Mowbray.
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"Yesterday, Dennis didn't have a clean bill of health - he couldn't do anything yesterday, still. Today in our morning meeting there was an assessment and we were hopeful that he could get on a bike today and start showing that he was fine.
"There's a timescale. Obviously, he won't make tomorrow night. We'll 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's 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 impact that left the defender concussed.
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