Everton star Cuco Martina released from hospital after suffering horror fall against Lyon
The Curacao international had an entire medical team attend to him for almost SEVEN minutes before play continued
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CUCO MARTINA has been released from hospital and will travel back to Merseyside with the rest of the Everton squad tonight.
The Curacao captain, 28, was carted off the pitch after having a neck brace fitted during the Toffees' 3-0 loss in Lyon.
Martina had an entire medical team attend to him for almost seven minutes before being taken off on a stretcher.
An awkward fall following a challenge with Lyon's Maxwel Cornet left Martina immediately unable to move after landing heavily on his upper back.
A fearful Cornet checked on his opponent by tapping him in the face but received no response.
Following careful treatment - in which medics wrapped a neck brace around the defender - Martina began moving his arms.
Who is Cuco Martina - The Curacao international now at Everton
- The footballer's real name is Rhu-endly Aurelio Jean-Carlo Martina, but is known as 'Cuco' in the footballing world
- He usually plays as right-back, but can play centre-half or defensive midfield
- The 28-year-old started his career at Dutch outfit RBC Roosendaal, making 68 appearances
- Ronald Koeman, who was sacked by Everton recently, brought him in with him from Southampton
- He was born in Rotterdam, but is the captain of Curacao
- His brother Javier is also a footballer who plays for A.V.V. Zeeburgia in the Dutch lower leagues
A team of seven docs then carried him off the pitch and he was replaced by Muhamed Besic two minutes before half time.
Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth said: "Cuco was concussed and complaining of pains down his neck. He’s gone straight to hospital for X-rays and scans. We wish him all the best."
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The Toffees then almost suffered an embarrassing double injury to Ashley Williams and Jordan Pickford after the pair crashed into each other.
Everton crashed out of Europe after goals from Bertrand Traore, Houssem Aouar and Memphis Depay sealed the Toffees' fate.
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Unsworth will surely struggle to land the job on a full-time basis after the disastrous result.
The Goodison boss controversially left Wayne Rooney, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka at home for the Lyon fixture.
Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman signed Martina from Southampton on a three-year deal in July.
He has featured ten times for the Toffees this season.