Mason is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days.

A Hull statement read: "The club can confirm that Ryan Mason sustained a skull fracture in our fixture at Chelsea this afternoon.

"He was taken to St Mary's Hospital where he has undergone surgery. Ryan is in a stable condition and is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days.

"Everyone at the club would like to express their sincere thanks for the excellent and swift care given to Ryan by both the Accident and Emergency department and Neurosurgery Unit at St Mary's Hospital.

"A further update will be issued tomorrow."

🔶◾️ | Club Statement - Ryan Mason https://t.co/qo4EGeEa1X pic.twitter.com/1F9e17XpSP

— Hull City (@HullCity) January 22, 2017

Immediately after the game Hull boss Marco Silva said he was hoping the injury was not serious.

"Ryan Mason at this moment is staying in the hospital. I don't know more news about this," Silva said at the time.

"I hope nothing special, nothing serious, but at this moment the player stays in hospital.

"The doctor stayed with the player in hospital. I wait for news."

Both medical teams rushed to the scene as referee Neil Swarbrick stopped play.

Cahill quickly returned to his feet and readied himself to return to the action. He completed the game and scored Chelsea's second goal.

Mason was in hospital by then, having received treatment for around six minutes on the field before departing on a stretcher, while receiving oxygen. David Meyler replaced him.

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte said: "Everyone at Chelsea wants to wish for him the best.

"It was a bad accident with Gary and, I must be honest, after the first half also Gary wasn't really good. He decided to continue the game.

"It was very bad this accident. Everyone at Chelsea, we hope to see him very soon on the pitch and to recover very soon."