Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne suffered a horror head injury after taking a knee to the temple in their draw with Everton on Saturday.
The left-back endured a brutal 'golf ball' swelling on the side of his forehead during his heroic efforts to help his side against the Toffees.
Digne has featured in all four of Villa's Premier League matches this season and played on through the pain barrier on Saturday
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Digne has featured in all four of Villa's Premier League matches this season and played on through the pain barrier on Saturday
With the scores still level just after the hour mark at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the 32-year-old put his body on the line for Villa's cause.
Emi Martinez, on his return to the starting XI, spilt a delivery from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, which saw it fall kindly for Jake O'Brien.
His shot was only blocked as far as former Villa man Tim Iroegbunam, who saw his opportunity to haunt his old side pass him by.
Unai Emery's men eventually scrambled the ball away for another corner, but a swinging knee connected hit Digne during the mayhem.
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The Frenchman needed help from the Villa medical team after lying spread-eagled on the turf.
As part of the medical procedures surrounding head injuries, Digne was taken off the pitch by club staff and checked over.
However, the ex-Everton defender impressively managed to continue despite the rapidly swelling bump emerging above his eye.
Digne ultimately helped his new side over the line to protect a clean sheet and take a point back to Villa Park in a goalless draw.
Yet at the other end, Emery's problems continue with his misfiring attack going another Premier League match without scoring.
Villa sit 19th in the table after two draws and as many defeats so far, and remains the only top-flight team still waiting on their first goal.
Harvey Elliott made his Villa debut but failed to help his new side find the breakthrough
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Harvey Elliott made his Villa debut but failed to help his new side find the breakthroughCredit: Getty
Digne, meanwhile, who joined Villa from Everton in 2022, has started three of the club's four Premier League games this campaign.
He was dropped for the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in favour of Ian Maatsen, before being restored from the start on Saturday.
Digned has featured in 226 Premier League games between Villa and Everton, scoring six goals and registering 29 assists.
More to follow.