Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho must trust his medical staff and understand that a player's wellbeing is paramount, according to former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba.
Chelsea's club doctor Eva Carneiro and first-team physiotherapist Jon Fearn were absent from the side's bench for their 3-0 loss at Manchester City on Sunday after they angered Mourinho.
The Chelsea boss was angry that Carneiro and Fearn rushed onto the pitch in stoppage time of Saturday's 2-2 draw against Swansea to treat Eden Hazard, meaning he had to leave the field and reduced the team to nine men.
Muamba, who retired from football in 2012 after suffering an on-field cardiac arrest, said in The Sun: "Player safety is key, a player's life is important. Once a player is injured, the doctor and physio both have a duty to come on.
"That is something that Jose should be able to understand. Health and safety is very important. That's why you need a clear understanding of what is required.
"A manager and a doctor should have open communication."
Chelsea had academy doctor Chris Hughes and physio Steven Hughes on the bench for the defeat at City, although Mourinho has said that the absence of Carneiro and Fearn need will not necessarily be permanent.
The club are yet to confirm who will be part of the matchday team for Sunday's trip to West Bromwich Albion.