Everton confirm Michael Keane suffered fractured skull against Bournemouth

The 25-year-old left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital for assessment

Everton have confirmed that defender Michael Keane suffered a fractured skull against Bournemouth.

England defender Keane was given lengthy treatment on the field in the closing stages at the Vitality Stadium following a nasty collision with team-mate Idrissa Gueye.

The 25-year-old, who scored the Toffees' second goal, left the pitch on a stretcher and was taken to hospital for assessment.

And now the club have confirmed the severity of the injury with Keane set to miss the next three to four weeks.

"Michael Keane has sustained a small hairline fracture of the skull but suffered no other complications following a clash of heads in the game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium," a club statement read.

"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."

Keane, who was released from hospital after being admitted overnight, remains in good spirits and took the time to thank the medical staff both at Everton and Bournemouth.

“Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes and support," he said. “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.”