AVB snaps as Lloris withdraws from Spurs squad over concussion fears

On the sidelines: Hugo Lloris (right) looks on from the stands after Andre Villas-Boas and his staff decided to leave him out of the Tottenham line-up to face Newcastle

Left out: Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been omitted from the squad to face Newcastle as he continues his recovery from his collision with Everton's Romelu Lukaku last weekend

Out cold: Spurs captain Michael Dawson checks on his goalkeeper as he lays unconscious on the turf at Goodison Park

Although the Spurs boss insists the player was 'fine', he has taken the advice, but wants someone from the medical team to explain the situation to the press.

Villas-Boas said: 'The medical department felt it was a bit too soon probably. If the game was tomorrow he would’ve played. I expect Hugo to play for France this week.

'But for him it was a bit too soon, even though clinically and medically all the signs were that the player was ready to play.

The Frenchman was rested for Thursday's Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol, with Villas-Boas claiming afterwards that he would return for the Barclays Premier League clash against the Magpies.

But he was not named in the matchday squad, leaving Brad Friedel surprised as a last minute stand-in once with Heurelho Gomes being named as the substitute goalkeeper.

Asked if something else had come to light about the condition of Lloris, Villa-Boas said: 'Nothing has come to light. The player is absolutely fine.

'The tests they have we don’t know. They’ve made different tests. In my opinion and obviously the club agree, it would be welcome if the medical department speak up about this situation.

'The only comment I can make is that the medical department advised us not to use the player, we followed rules and that’s it.

'In the incident we did everything according to the book.'

Frustration: Villas-Boas (centre) has had enough of the Lloris situation

The Portuguese boss has attracted criticism for allowing Lloris to continue playing after the collision and seems to have been frustrated by the attention it has attracted.

'I’m not getting into that kind of argument. We did everything by the book,' he added. 'A medical dept which saved the life of a player deserves respect. They have made the call, advising the management not to use the player.

'It is into the controversy which has raged this week. So I’m not sure what you want to go on about.

'It was down to a test that they do, that they value a lot, called the Impact Test. I had to stick to what they said.'

Asked about the details of the Impact Test, Villas-Boas snapped, "Google it and find out.'

Writing on the club's official Twitter feed, Head of Medical Services Wayne Diesel said: 'We've continued to monitor Hugo all week and after discussions, Andre and the medical department have agreed to afford the player a couple more days rest.

'Hugo is naturally disappointed as he was keen to return to action, however we feel this decision is in the player's best interest.'

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew named the same starting XI which recorded a 2-0 win over Chelsea last weekend.

Back on his feet: Lloris controversially played out the remainder of the Everton match despite his head injury

Criticism: Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas came under fire for not withdrawing Lloris after the incident

Under fire: Villas-Boas was forced to defend his decision to keep Lloris on during the week

Stand in: Brad Friedel came into the side for the Europa League match with Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday

 

Andre Villas-Boas hits back as Lloris returns to training

Warning: Former USA international striker Taylor Twellman said that Lloris should have been taken off the field immediately

'No human being can see concussion and be 100 per cent certain there's no concussion.

'If you get a second one while you have that first one, there is something called second impact syndrome. That is often fatal.'

Twellman's career ended in 2008 when he was punched in the head by a goalkeeper in a Major League Soccer match, played the remainder of the game and the ensuing seven weeks that were left of the season.

Concussion nightmare: Twellman, seen here scoring for the New England Revolution, was forced to retire at the age of 33 after suffering seven head injuries during his career