Andre Villas-Boas Claims Romelu Lukaku Could Have Prevented Hugo Lloris Injury

Andre Villas-Boas is no longer content to sit by idly and take criticism for his decision to keep Hugo Lloris on the pitch against Everton, just moments after the Frenchman was left motionless.

The Tottenham boss has taken a new tack in his approach and, per the Daily Mail's Laura Williamson, is now claiming Romelu Lukaku could have avoided his collision with the goalkeeper altogether.

Speaking on Wednesday, Villas-Boas went on the offensive, saying: 

"

I want to believe that Lukaku’s leg was not left late to clash into Hugo’s head. I find it remarkable that nobody has actually found out if he could have avoided the goalkeeper and I am disappointed that Lukaku hasn’t contacted Hugo.

I don’t question Lukaku’s integrity, but I think he could have jumped over perfectly.

"

For Lukaku, it's not the first time he has been involved in a debate about concussions and the dangers of head injuries in football, himself being knocked out against West Ham in September.

Wednesday morning saw Lloris return to training following the events that unfolded at Goodison Park, where a Lukaku knee had at first appeared to do the Spurs No. 1 serious damage.

However, the 26-year-old stayed on to maintain his 100 percent start to the season and is still yet to miss a minute of Tottenham's Premier League campaign.  

Brain charity Headway, the Professional Footballers' Association and FIFA figures were just some of those to comment on the incident at Goodison Park, most of whom insisted Lloris should have been substituted, per Williamson's report.

Now Lloris could be deemed fit and ready for Thursday evening's Europa League fixture against Sheriff Tiraspol, just days after the initial injury occurred.

The controversy will now turn toward Lukaku and the Everton camp in anticipation of a response.

Lukaku's involvement in Lloris' injury appeared unintentional as he chased down a loose ball, resulting in a collision of two brave players. Everton boss Roberto Martinez was left disgusted that his player, who had to be substituted, was booked for the challenge, per Jon Harvey of Metro.

The fact that Villas-Boas has now suggested Lukaku should have jumped over Lloris is likely to prompt a sharp response from the Everton manager.

The 20-year-old Toffees forward may have the physical requirements to be a beastly presence on the pitch, but he has picked up just four yellow cards in 51 Premier League appearances and didn't have a reputation for violence during his time in the Jupiler League.