Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason is 'awake and speaking' after undergoing surgery on a fractured skull, the club confirmed on Monday afternoon.

Mason was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Chelsea's Gary Cahill during Sunday's Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge. The pair collided in mid-air and while Cahill was removed from the pitch and reintroduced after a short period of time, Mason remained on the ground receiving lengthy treatment from medical staff.

He was stretchered off the pitch and rushed to St Mary's Hospital in London.

"The club can confirm that Ryan has been visited this morning at St Mary's Hospital by club captain Michael Dawson, club doctor Mark Waller, head of medical Rob Price and club secretary Matt Wild," the club said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

"Ryan has been speaking of the incident yesterday and will continue to be monitored at the hospital over the coming days where the Club will remain in close contact with Ryan, his family and the staff at St Mary's.

"Ryan and his family have also been extremely touched by the overwhelming support they have received and would very much like to thank all of those who have posted such positive comments both on social media and in the press over the last 24 hours."

Ryan Mason is stretchered off the pitch during Hull City's Premier League clash with Cheslea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening. Image: Frank Augstein AP/Press Association Images