Ryan Mason has been speaking of the accident which left him with a fractured skull and will remain in hospital under observation, Hull City have announced.
The 25-year-old former Tottenham midfielder was carried off and received oxygen after a clash of heads with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill in the first half of Hull’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge.
He had surgery at St Mary’s Hospital in London on Sunday evening and was visited by the Hull captain, Michael Dawson, and three club officials on Monday.
Hull said in a statement: “Ryan has been visited this morning at St Mary’s Hospital by club captain Michael Dawson, club doctor Mark Waller, head of medical Rob Price and club secretary Matt Wild.
“Ryan has been speaking of the incident yesterday and will continue to be monitored at the hospital over the coming days where the club will remain in close contact with Ryan, his family and the staff at St Mary’s.”
Chelsea defender Cahill, club captain John Terry and assistant manager Steve Holland also went to St Mary’s Hospital, in Paddington, to check on Mason’s well-being. It is understood the trio spent time with members of Mason’s family who had attended the game, which was marred by the incident in the 14th minute.
The brain injury charity Headway praised the treatment of England international Mason. Headway’s chief executive, Peter McCabe, said: “I was actually at the match and, while it was upsetting to witness the incident, it was encouraging to see the exemplary reaction of the medical teams.
“Headway has been critical of the way in which head injuries have been treated in many high-profile football incidents in recent years, but it is positive to see that lessons appear to have been learned.”
Mason received treatment for around nine minutes on the field and later received messages of support from many of his fellow professionals.
Mason’s family said in a statement: “We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to Ryan during what has been an extremely traumatic 24 hours.
“The well wishes and support that we’ve received as a family from such a large number of players, managers, clubs, fans and everyone involved in football – as well as even from people outside of the sport – has helped to give Ryan and all of the family great strength during this incredibly difficult time.
“We would also like to send a special thank you to the superb medical teams at Hull City, Chelsea and St Mary’s Hospital. The manner in which the situation was handled and dealt with was impeccable and we are incredibly grateful for everything that they have done and continue to do.
“As has been confirmed in the statement released by Hull City, Ryan is in a stable condition and will be continually monitored over the coming days. The club will continue to provide regular updates as and when there is news to report. Thank you.”