Everton defender Michael Keane sustained a small hairline fracture of his skull during Saturday's match at Bournemouth and will be sidelined for three to four weeks, his club have announced.
Keane was carried off on a stretcher in stoppage time of the 2-2 Premier League draw at the Vitality Stadium and taken to hospital following a nasty clash of heads with team-mate Idrissa Gueye.
The Toffees on Sunday said the 25-year-old had suffered the hairline fracture but "no other complications" and "will be unable to engage in head contact for between three and four weeks, from which point he will be able to resume full training".
Everton said Keane was admitted to Poole Hospital, accompanied by club doctor Dr Aboul Shaheir, before being released on Sunday morning,
And the former Burnley player, who had scored his side's second goal against the Cherries, said: "Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes and support.
"I'm OK but suffered a small hairline fracture of the skull which will heal itself and means I won't be able to have any head contact for three to four weeks.
"I will be back with my team and back on the pitch as soon as I can after that.
"I also want to say a huge thank you to the medical staff at Everton and Bournemouth as well as all those at Poole Hospital for their excellent treatment and care."
⚽️ Scores first #PL goal for #EFC
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) August 26, 2018
🚑 Fractures skull in separate incident
🤕 Ruled out for three to four weeks with no head contact
And what does Michael Keane have to say?
🗣️ 'I'm just gutted we didn't take all three points'
👏👏 (via @Everton) #BOUEVE pic.twitter.com/P1tzVvCLzx
