Michael Keane to miss up to a month with hairline fracture of the skull

Everton have revealed that Michael Keane sustained a small hairline fracture of the skull in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, ruling the defender out for between three and four weeks.

Keane was rushed to Poole Hospital following a sickening clash of heads with teammate Idrissa Gueye at the Vitality Stadium.

In an update posted on the club's official website on Sunday afternoon, Everton confirmed that Keane suffered no other complications, allowing him to resume heading the ball in around a month's time.

"Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes and support," Keane said in a personal statement. "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."

Keane netted a towering header to put Everton two goals ahead, only for Bournemouth to hit back and claim a share of the spoils.