Europa League: Arsenal Defender, David Luis Absent With Head Injury

Arsenal defender David Luiz will be absent for the Europa League game against Rapid Vienna due to a head injury sustained against Wolverhampton Wanderers as he continues to recover, the EPL club confirmed.

AllNews understands the Brazil international clashed heads with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez in Sunday's league game leading to Raul Jimenez taken off the pitch on a stretcher and later underwent an operation on a fractured skull while Luiz was allowed to play on with his head bandaged before being substituted at halftime.

"The cut to David's head will take some days to heal and therefore he will not be available for Thursday's match," Arsenal said in a statement.

? An update on @DavidLuiz_4

Together with David, our thoughts and best wishes continue to be with @Raul_Jimenez9 and his family, and we hope Raúl has a strong recovery.#FuerzaRaúl ?

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 1, 2020

"Close care of David's cut and general monitoring of his wellbeing will continue in the coming days and David continues to be in good health."

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Arsenal also defended the decision to allow Luiz to continue playing against Wolves, saying "protocols were completed" with the player showing no signs of concussion.

Mikel Arteta's side has already booked a place in the Europa League knockout stages with 12 points from four matches in Group B.