EVERTON HAVE CONFIRMED THAT defender Michael Keane suffered a small hairline fracture of the skull during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, but that there are no other complications related to the injury.
Keane clashed heads with team-mate Idrissa Gueye during the closing stages of the match at the Vitality Stadium, having earlier scored his first Premier League goal for Everton.
Medical staff from both sides attended to Keane following the incident and carried him from the pitch on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace.
The former Manchester United and Burnley player was then admitted to Poole Hospital but the nature of his injury means he is expected to return to full training next month.
“The 25-year-old defender 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,” read a statement on Everton’s official website.
Keane also released a statement, expressing his appreciation for the well wishes that flooded his way following the incident, as well as to those who treated him in hospital.
“Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes and support,” the England international wrote on his official Instagram account.
“I’m okay 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.”
Keane signed off his statement by turning his focus back to football, having got off the mark for the Toffees in the Premier League.
“I was so happy to get my first Premier League goal for Everton,” added the 25-year-old.
“I’m just gutted we didn’t take the three points, but we keep our unbeaten start going.”
Keane has been capped four times by England and joined Everton from Burnley for £30million in July 2017.
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