Everton defender Michael Keane in hospital after nasty leg gash picked up against Sunderland becomes infected

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Everton were without big summer signing Michael Keane on Sunday as they were defeated by Leicester, and caretaker boss David Unsworth has confirmed the gruesome reason behind his absence.

Keane has been sent to hospital after a gash on his leg picked up in a recent match became infected and spread.

The former Manchester United academy star picked up a knock during a recent cup game against Sunderland.

Michael Keane, pictured left training last week,  is suffering from an infection after gashing his leg. He put this image on Snapchat (right), apparently showing the view from his hospital bed

Everton had been monitoring the recovery of the young defender, only for the wound to flare up and become infected.

As a result Keane was pulled from the squad and sent to hospital for treatment.

Following the defeat to the Foxes at the King Power, Unsworth gave a more detailed explanation regarding Keane's absence.

'Michael got a knock, a really bad gash against Sunderland, and it got infected and spread up his leg,' Unsworth said, as reported by FourFourTwo.

'It's been really, really nasty and he's been hospitalised.

Everton are without defender Michael Keane after his recent leg injury became infected

Keane has been in hospital receiving treatment after the infection spread up his leg

Caretaker boss David Unsworth confirmed the injury has been 'really, really nasty'

'We got some good news when we got to the ground that there's been a big improvement, so hopefully he can be available for Sunday's game [against Watford],' the caretaker boss added.

The defeat by Leicester was Unsworth's first game in temporary charge of the Toffees, taking over following the recent sacking of Ronald Koeman.

Everton are now without a Premier League win in their last four and have slipped into the relegation places.

A midweek trip to Lyon in the Europa League beckons, before the Toffees return to domestic action on Sunday by welcoming Watford to Goodison Park.