Scans show Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius suffered concussion in Champions League final

Sport360 staff 23:39 04/06/2018
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  • Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius sustained a concussion during the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in which he made two crucial errors, hospital scans have revealed.

    Massachusetts General Hospital has confirmed the German underwent assessment by both Dr Ross Zafonte and Dr Lenore Herget at MGH and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on May 31, five days after the 3-1 loss in Kiev.

    Press Association Sport understands Karius is on holiday in the United States but Liverpool’s medical staff wanted him to be checked out and a subsequent examination found evidence of concussion, which doctors say could have affected his performance.

    The goalkeeper was caught in the head by Sergio Ramos at a corner before Madrid’s opening goal, which was the first to be blamed on Karius.

    “With Mr Karius’s permission we are providing information about his medical situation in an effort to prevent, where possible, the dissemination of incomplete or erroneous information,” said a statement from MGH.

    “On May 31, 2018 Mr Karius underwent a comprehensive examination by Dr Ross Zafonte and Dr Lenore Herget.

    Loris Karius of Liverpool

    “After carefully reviewing game film and integrating a detailed history – including his reported present and immediate post-contact subjective symptoms – physical examination and objective metrics, we have concluded that Mr Karius sustained a concussion during the match (on) May 26, 2018.

    “At the time of our evaluation, Mr. Karius’s principal residual symptoms and objective signs suggested that visual spatial dysfunction existed and likely occurred immediately following the event.

    “Additional symptomatic and objectively noted areas of dysfunction also persisted. It could be possible that such deficits would affect performance.”

    Both doctors have noted Karius’ condition has, as expected, been improving since the incident and they expect him to make a full recovery.

    “Mr Karius has reported significant and steady improvement since the concussive event, and we expect him to make a full recovery based on the results of the examination,” the statement added.

    “We expect that with treatment and by following prescribed activity protocols he will continue to improve.
    “We have encouraged vigilance and an emphasis on safety in his eventual return to full activity.

    “This is the only comment we will be making in relation to this matter.”

    Karius was widely blamed for Liverpool’s final defeat after his two errors, and Merseyside Police later released a statement saying its officers were aware of “threats” made against him on social media.

    The 24-year-old gifted Real the lead when he attempted to launch a quick attack, only for Karim Benzema to thrust a leg out and divert the ball into an empty net.

    Karius then allowed a long-range effort from Gareth Bale to evade his grasp in the closing stages.

    Liverpool have declined to comment on Karius’ situation.

    Provided by Press Association Sport

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