The concussion protocols that will determine when Eliezer Mayenda returns for Sunderland explained

Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda will miss the trip to Oxford United this weekend as he goes through the concussion protocols.

Mayenda required treatment in the latter stages of the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers but is recovering well and as things stand, should be available to face QPR on the final day of the season.

While the FA recommends a spell of two weeks on the sidelines in their concussion protocols, the enhanced care provided at professional clubs mean players can go through what is called a graduated return to play that shortens the recovery timeframe.

That means that Mayenda could be back in action next week, though that does depend on him continuing to show no symptoms in the days ahead.

The FA concussion guidelines read: "In some settings, such as in professional clubs, international teams and academies, there may be an enhanced level of medical care available with a team of healthcare professionals experienced in sports concussion management who take responsibility for an individualised, structured, multimodal, multi-disciplinary management plan which allows a closer supervision of a players care and graduated return to play (GRTP). In these instances, a shorter timeframe for return to play (RTP) may be possible but only under strict supervision by the appropriate medical personnel as part of a structured concussion management programme."

Stage one of the return to play protocol is an initial period of rest for 48 hours, before a review by a qualified doctor. If there are no symptoms, the player can then return to light exercise on days three and four. Again, if there are no symptoms then the player can step up to football-specific exercise on days five and six, before returning to non-contact training on days seven and eight. In circumstances where the player has no symptoms and all medical criteria is met, these phases can last just 24 hours. At the end of the stage 4, another review is held. With Mayenda continuing to show no symptoms, Sunderland are currently confident that he will meet the criteria to go through these phases in those 24 hour periods.

Stage five is a return to full training, which is a three-day process that can again be shortened to one day if all criteria is met. A player can return to play after 12 days, or seven if they have hit all the relevant criteria. With Mayenda currently not displaying any symptoms and recovering well, he will be be through the protocols after seven days. As such, he will be available to face QPR on the final day of the regular seasons as things stand.

The guidelines stress that no risks should be taken with players if they do experience any setbacks in their recovery, and Le Bris said on Thursday that Sunderland would be very careful with Mayenda in the days ahead.

They read: "It is recognised that players will often want to return to play as soon as possible following a concussion. Players, coaches, management and others in a position of responsibility must exercise caution to:

a. Ensure that all symptoms have resolved before RTP.

b. Ensure that the GRTP programme is followed.

c. Ensure that the advice of medical practitioners and other healthcare professionals is strictly adhered to.

After returning to play, all those involved with the player, especially coaches, support staff and parents must remain vigilant for the return of symptoms even if the GRTP has been successfully completed."

What Régis Le Bris said about Eliezer Mayenda today

The Sunderland head coach confirmed today that Mayenda is not currently experiencing any symptoms and as such should be available after the game against Oxford United.

"Eliezer is in the concussion protocols until Sunday," he said.

"So he’s fine, without symptoms, but we have to be very cautious with him."