The matches Max Lowe could be set to miss and how Sheffield United can accelerate the defender's recovery

Lowe was withdrawn during the first-half of Sunday’s draw with Fulham, and appeared dazed as he was led from the pitch following an accidental collision with Ruben Loftus Cheek.

If the condition was clinically confirmed, FA protocols state Lowe must not return to play for at least 14 days after the incident - and only then after passing five stringent checks, including the ability to take part in light exercise without reporting any further issues, football specific exercises and then non-contact and finally contact training. Failure to fulfil any of these criteria will result in him being ordered to rest for 24 hours.

Speaking after the meeting with Scott Parker’s side, Wilder revealed Lowe had complained of “blurred vision” soon after his clash with Loftus Cheek - one of nine symptoms the governing body’s doctors highlight as a concussion symptom.

Although Lowe is thought to have returned home immediately after the incident, having been examined by United’s own medical practitioners, the FA’s rules meant he was prohibited from driving himself away from the ground and had to be kept under direct supervision for at least 24 hours.

If Lowe is placed in an enhanced care setting, and United had performed “neuro psychometric” and “cognitive” tests on him prior to the injury, there is a possibility the former Derby County wing-back could be declared eligible for selection within a shorter time frame. In order for his recovery period to be reduced, Lowe must also be regularly monitored by “a multi-disciplinary team” including neuropsychologists, neurologists, neurosurgery specialists and “other clinicians”.

John Egan, Lowe’s United team mate, suffered a concussion on international duty with the Republic of Ireland nearly 12 months ago and was forced to sit out the 3-3 draw with Manchester United six days later.

However, Egan was then passed fit for the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 1, having been treated by United’s club doctors and conditioners - 13 days after Ireland’s meeting with Denmark.

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