Chelsea star Gary Cahill has paid a visit to stricken Hull star Ryan Mason after he suffered a fractured skull from an accidental clash of heads between the pair.
The former Tottenham midfielder suffered the serious injury during his sides 2-0 defeat against the Premier League leaders on Sunday.
Chelsea defender Cahill, club captain John Terry and assistant boss Steve Holland went to St Mary’s Hospital to check on Mason’s well-being.
Press Association Sport understands 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.
Hull were on Monday awaiting an update on the condition of Mason, who had surgery on Sunday evening.
The 25-year-old former Tottenham midfielder was carried off and received oxygen after the clash of heads with Cahill at Stamford Bridge.
Brain injury charity Headway praised the treatment of England international Mason.
Headway 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.
Hull issued a statement on Sunday evening, describing Mason’s condition as “stable”.
The club expect the former Tottenham midfielder to be in hospital “for the next few days”.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte expressed hope that Mason would make a quick recovery immediately after the match, prior to news of his operation.
England defender Cahill had been assessed for some time during the break in play as Mason was attended to.
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