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Hull City manager Leonid Slutsky admits Ryan Mason's football career hangs in the balance seven months on from his sickening head injury.

Slutsky said the England international midfielder would consult a third specialist to see whether he can play again after two specialists gave different opinions.

Mason, 26, spent eight days in hospital after a clash of heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill at Stamford Bridge on January 22.

The Tigers' £13million record signing was placed in an induced coma and had 14 plates inserted after fracturing his skull.

(Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: Rex Features) (Image: Rex Features)

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Speaking after the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat away at Doncaster, the Russian said: "It is a difficult situation on Mason, we have a difference of opinion and we are seeing a third doctor on Monday.

"He will have decision about his future. For me he is a big hero but now it is not just about football but about his life.

"He wants to play but it is not an easy situation. He must decide not only about himself but about his family as well. It is more than football."

In the wake of Slutsky's comments, Hull City fans were quick to send their best wishes to Mason.

In May, Mason paid tribute to all of those who'd helped him - from the medical staff immediately on the scene at Stamford Bridge to the public and media for their support.

(Image: REUTERS)

Reflecting on the incident, Mason told Hull City's official YouTube channel he "remembers everything clearly" but that it was just an "unfortunate" incident.

"Luckily I had the right people around me from the second it happened to help me with my recovery. And that's what been happening ever since," he said.

Mason returned to light training in the summer but neither the player nor the club put a date or time on his return.