Ryan Mason injury update: Hull City midfielder talking after head clash with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill

IT was a sickening head clash that stopped play for nearly 10 minutes but Hull City have provided an update on midfielder Ryan Mason, who was raced to hospital.

Ryan Mason of Hull City lies injured after the collision with Gary Cahill.

HULL City midfielder Ryan Mason has been talking in hospital about the incident which left him with a fractured skull, the Premier League club confirmed.

The 25-year-old Mason suffered the injury when he accidentally clashed heads with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill in the 14th minute of Hull’s 2-0 loss away to the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge.

Mason was subsequently taken to the nearby St Mary’s Hospital in west London and underwent surgery.

He was visited by Hull captain Michael Dawson and several club officials on Monday.

Afterwards, a Hull statement said: “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.”

His family thanked the medics for their swift response, while Mason’s girlfriend Rachel Peters took to social media with this beautiful message.

“We would like to take this opportunity to express out sincere thanks and gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to Ryan during what has been an extremely traumatic 24 hours,” they wrote in a statement.

“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 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.”

Hull City's Ryan Mason clashes heads with Chelsea's Gary Cahill.

The statement added: “Ryan and his family have also been extremely touched by the overwhelming support they have received and would very much like to thank all of those who have posted such positive comments both on social media and in the press over the last 24 hours.”

Cahill, Chelsea captain John Terry and assistant manager Steve Holland all reportedly visited Mason after the game.

Following the collision between Cahill and Mason, medical staff from both clubs sprinted out to attend to the two players, with referee Neil Swarbrick halting play for close to 10 minutes as they each received on-field treatment.

Defender Cahill returned to his feet and scored Chelsea’s second goal, a header, in the 2-0 victory but Mason left the field on a stretcher while receiving oxygen treatment.

Several hours after the final whistle, a Hull statement confirmed that Mason had sustained a skull fracture.

Clubs and players from across England and beyond sent messages of support for Mason, among them former Manchester United and Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao, Gareth Bale and the England national team.

My thoughts and pray for @RyanMason . Get well soon! // Mis pensamientos y oraciones por Ryan Mason y su familia. Pronta recuperación.

— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) January 22, 2017

Get well soon Mase!! Thoughts are with you and your family, stay strong!!! @RyanMason pic.twitter.com/HLU2tN5irN

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) January 22, 2017

Stay strong, Ryan. pic.twitter.com/3ZE2SfDkEm

— England (@England) January 22, 2017

Immediately after the match Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte said all those connected with the London club hoped Mason would enjoy a speedy recovery.

“It was a bad accident with Gary and, I must be honest, after the first half also Gary wasn’t really good. He decided to continue the game,” said Conte.

“It was very bad this accident. Everyone at Chelsea, we hope to see him very soon on the pitch and to recover very soon.”jdg/cw

Originally published as Ryan Mason injury update: Hull City midfielder talking after head clash with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill