Everton defender Cuco Martina rushed to hospital for scans after injury caused neck pain

Cuco Martina was forced off on a stretcher wearing a neck brace following a collision with Lyon forward Maxwel Cornet.

The pair went up for the ball near the byline and Martina hit the turf hard on the way down, prompting the medical staff to rush on.

The former Southampton full-back was down for a long time, with seven minutes stoppage added to the first half.

And Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth has revealed the defender was taken to hospital immediately afterwards for scans and tests after complaining of 'neck pain'.

"Cuco was concussed and complaining of pains down his neck," Unsworth said.

"He’s gone straight to hospital for X-rays & scans. We wish him all the best.”

Immediately after the incident it was apparent Martina would not be able to continue and the club's official live blog wrote: "Martina is down and receiving treatment. He landed awkwardly after an aerial challenge with Cornet," Everton's official live blog said.

"The stretcher is on. The defender may not be able to continue here.

"The medics are surrounding Martina and helping him on to the stretcher. It looked a nasty landing.

"Muhamed Besic is stripped off and ready to come on in his place.

"Applause rings around the Groupama Stadium as Martina is taken off the pitch. He appeared to be in a neck brace and we wish him a speedy recovery.

"We will, of course, have an update on his condition as soon as possible."