Tottenham vs Chelsea: The Special Rule Allowing Six Substitutions in This Epic Clash

The Premier League encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will allow both teams to utilize six substitutions instead of the standard five, if they choose to do so.

The two clubs began Saturday's evening fixture in north London hoping to secure local derby supremacy. Tottenham entered the match sitting in third place, benefiting from an impressive start under Thomas Frank's leadership, while Chelsea found themselves in the lower half of the table following a disappointing spell under Enzo Maresca's guidance.

Typically, both squads would be permitted to include nine players on their substitute bench, with five players eligible to enter and impact the match. However, this scenario was altered in the opening period when Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall sustained a head injury.

Bergvall Injury Results in Protocol Activation

The Premier League implemented concussion substitution procedures in 2021, following extensive discussions with medical professionals and football governing bodies. These modifications, alongside additional measures, undergo regular assessment by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) who maintain the sport's regulations.

Presently, the following guidelines are established:

IFAB Head Injury Substitution Guidelines

Due to Spurs' medical staff believing Bergvall might have sustained a head injury, he was removed by Frank and replaced by summer acquisition Xavi Simons. Following the Swedish player's withdrawal, Chelsea can now execute six substitutions and may utilize this option if Maresca desires to make further strategic adjustments—something fans might consider a slight competitive edge.