David Silva did not fracture his cheekbone, tests reveal

Tests have confirmed that Manchester City midfielder David Silva did not suffer a fractured cheekbone during Sunday's 2-0 victory over West Ham.

The Spain international was carried off in the 75th minute of the Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium following lengthy treatment on the pitch after he was caught in the face by a flailing elbow from Hammers midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.

He left the field in a neck brace and was immediately taken to hospital for tests amid fears he had fractured his left cheekbone and there were also concerns about his collarbone.

The initial results of those tests were positive and Silva was allowed to return home on Sunday evening and it has now been confirmed that he did not suffer a serious injury, although he will be monitored closely by the club's medical staff throughout the week.

After leaving hospital on Sunday, Silva tweeted: "Many thanks to all the messages of support, all the tests have gone well and I'm already home.The 3 points is what was important!"

Sky Sports’ pundit Niall Quinn was unhappy with the clash and felt Kouyate had meant to catch Silva with his arm.

Quinn said: “I’m not going to stand here and defend that as a mistake, as an accident. If I’m asked to give my opinion, I think there’s intent there.

“The important thing is David Silva, because it didn’t look good for him at all." 

However, Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini did not think Kouyate went out to hurt Silva in the challenge and accepted the decision of the referee to book the West Ham midfielder.

"I always think that a player doesn't want to damage another player," he said.

"The referee was so near and he decided he was unintentional. Nothing more happens."