The Football Association has said
John Terry will be allowed to play in Saturday's Premiership clash
against Portsmouth - as long as he is cleared to do so by a
doctor.
The Chelsea captain was taken to hospital after being knocked
unconscious in Sunday's Carling Cup final against Arsenal.
He was quickly released and returned to his team-mates to join in
the victory celebrations.
It was still thought the defender would be forced to sit out the
match at Fratton Park due to the FA's rules on players who suffer
concussion.
But the FA has explained that its regulations merely stipulate that
each individual must be assessed by a doctor.
A statement said: "Following John Terry's injury in yesterday's
League Cup final, the FA can clarify that the rules on head
injuries do not set down an automatic rest period for players
suffering from concussion, but rather stipulate that each injury
must be assessed individually by a doctor.
"The FA medical recommendations state that: `Since all head
injuries are different in terms of the effects on the brain, no
fixed time periods are applicable in professional football as to
when the player should return to training and playing.
"The brain's response to the injury determines the time of return
and playing and must be clinically assessed by the club medical
officer or a specialist neurosurgeon/neurologist.
"The clinical rule is that no player should return to training or
playing until symptom-free and sign-free at rest and on
provocation."
The statement added: "The FA supplies clubs with a list of
neurological specialists and units around the country."