Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirmed German Berterame is conscious and recovering in the hospital after suffering a head injury against CF Montreal.

Miami earned a 1-0 win over Montreal thanks to Luis Suarez's Panenka penalty, but the victory was overshadowed by Berterame's injury.

The forward was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Efrain Morales inside the area, with the Montreal defender penalised for his involvement.

Berterame landed awkwardly on the pitch and appeared to lose consciousness, with players immediately signalling for him to receive medical treatment.

He was carried off on a stretcher – not appearing to regain consciousness – and transferred into an ambulance.

"He's recovering right now; he's fine, conscious," Hoyos told reporters after the game.

"His family is aware of everything. They're calm. The most important thing is that he's OK, and right now he is OK.

"We were alarmed at first because the blow was very strong. On the play, it's obvious there was an elbow, which is why a penalty was awarded; he fell like dead weight.

"I think he might have already been unconscious given the severity of the impact. He took that elbow and hit the ground hard.

"It was a moment of great desperation and deep sadness, because it went beyond football, and all that. It's about human life; that's what matters most. So, we just hope everything turns out well."

Suarez scored from the penalty awarded for the incident and held up Berterame's shirt after hitting the back of the net.

Berterame has scored seven MLS goals for Miami since joining them in January from CF Monterrey.

The Herons have now won their last six matches in a row, with their latest victory ensuring Casemiro made a winning start on his debut, moving within two points of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.