Sean Dyche confirms 'pleasing' initial signs after Beto stretchered off pitch

Sean Dyche said the initial signs were “pleasing” after Beto was knocked unconscious and stretchered off during Everton’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

The striker was carried off the pitch after clashing heads with Morgan Gibbs-White in stoppage time of Everton’s crucial victory. Medical staff immediately rushed to his support after being urged on by teammates after he landed.

The club confirmed he was taken to hospital but Dyche said he had been given a positive update and that he would now wait for further news.

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Speaking after the match, Dyche said: “It is pleasing at this moment. I can’t say more than that at this stage other than that he definitely came around and that he understood what was going on, which they assured me is a good early sign after a real serious knock."

He added: "It was fantastic how quickly the medical team reacted, on all parts, to make sure that he was safe and we now hope for news over the next 24 to 48 hours.”

The medical staff at Goodison had already been called into action amid concern from both sets of players after Forest defender Neco Williams fell backwards over an advertising hoarding and into the stands. Dwight McNeil stayed with the player as he received treatment before being able to return to action.

Beto had been a second half substitute for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was removed with a knock following a clash of knees.