Ryan Mason: Hull City midfielder to see third specialist over playing return

Ryan Mason became Hull's club record signing when he joined from Tottenham in August 2016 for an undisclosed fee

Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason is to see a third specialist on Monday to see if he will be able to return from the fractured skull he suffered in January.

The once-capped England international, 26, had to have surgery after a clash of heads with Chelsea's Gary Cahill.

"It's a difficult situation," head coach Leonid Slutsky told BBC Radio Humberside.

"One doctor is saying one thing and another saying another, so he will get a third opinion on Monday."

After eight minutes of treatment on the pitch during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, Mason was given oxygen as he was carried off on a stretcher.

He had surgery at St Mary's Hospital in London, where he stayed for a week afterwards, and has since spoken of feeling "lucky to be alive".

Mason returned to Hull's training ground for the first time since the incident earlier in May and described going back as "a massive step".

Slutsky added: "He will have a decision about his future, if he needs an operation or not.

"Ryan is a big hero for me, but now the question is not just about football but about his life. It's very serious."

"He wants to play but he must make a decision not only about himself but also his family. It's more than only football."