Ryan Mason: Hull City midfielder making 'excellent progress'

Ryan Mason is Hull City's club-record signing, arriving from Tottenham last August for an undisclosed fee

Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason is making "excellent progress" after fracturing his skull during Sunday's game at Chelsea, his club says.

The England international, 25, clashed heads with Blues defender Gary Cahill 13 minutes into the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.

He was taken to St Mary's Hospital in London, where he had surgery.

Hull's statement said Mason would "continue to be closely monitored by staff" at the hospital.

It added: "There will be no further updates from the club until there are any changes in Ryan's condition."

Hull fans are being encouraged to show support for Mason by taking part in a minute's applause during Thursday's EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester United at the KCOM Stadium.

The club wants fans to applaud in the 25th minute to represent the number of Mason's shirt.

His team-mates will warm up on the pitch before the game wearing T-shirts with 'Mason 25' on.

• Football Daily podcast: Monday Night Club discusses Mason injury

The club said on Monday that Mason was conscious and talking and had been visited by captain Michael Dawson, club doctor Mark Waller, head of medical Rob Price and club secretary Matt Wild.

Cahill, Chelsea captain John Terry and assistant manager Steve Holland had visited on Sunday to check on Mason's well-being, and spent time with his family.

Mason, Hull's record signing, fractured his skull as he attempted to head the ball clear of his own box following a cross from Pedro.

He got to the ball a split second before Cahill, who was already committed to his attempted header, and the pair collided.

Mason joined Hull from Tottenham last August for a club-record undisclosed fee. He has scored one goal in 16 Premier League appearances for the Tigers.

Prior to his move, he made 53 top-flight appearances for Tottenham, and had loan spells at Yeovil, Doncaster, Millwall, Lorient and Swindon.

Hull lost Sunday's game 2-0 as goals from Diego Costa and Cahill gave Chelsea a victory that took them eight points clear at the top.