Everton's Keane Out For Four Weeks With Fractured Skull

Everton defender Michael Keane sustained a small hairline fracture of his skull during Saturday's match at Bournemouth.

The Toffees confirmed it will be "three to four weeks before the 25-year-old is able to take part in full training again.

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.

Everton on Sunday released a statement which said he 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."

Keane was admitted to Poole Hospital, accompanied by club doctor Dr Aboul Shaheir, before being released on Sunday morning.

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 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."

He added: "I was so happy to get my first Premier League goal for Everton.

"I'm just gutted we didn't take the three points, but we keep our unbeaten start going."