Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has a “seriously mashed” nose from the Brentford game, according to journalist Joe Donnohue.
The Whites ace returned after four months out when replacing Cody Drameh in the 70th minute of last week’s clash against the Bees.
However, Ayling was involved in a heavy aerial clash with Ben Mee within the first minute of coming on.
This left both players laid flat out on the ground and needing attention.
Ayling eventually sat up holding tissue on his nose which appeared broken.
Despite the injury, the 31-year-old delivered an impressive cameo in the match.
He even provided an assist for Marc Roca’s first Leeds goal.
This week, Donnohue and Yorkshire Evening Post chief football writer Graham Smyth spoke on the Inside Elland Road podcast.
They looked ahead to Leeds’ upcoming game with Nottingham Forest (now postponed) and speculated whether Ayling could be wearing a mask next time he plays.
Donnohue asked: “Do you think Luke Ayling is going to be wearing some kind of Batman-esque mask if he does play on Monday? Because, have you seen the pictures of his nose?”
Smyth replied: “I haven’t actually seen the aftermath. That was a really worrying collision.”
Donnohue continued: “It’s seriously mashed. That’s the best word for it. It looks like he’s been run into by a succession of elbows.
“He’s mates with Josh Warrington isn’t he. He could probably ask for some advice there.”