Did you find it strange? Understand what the mask that some football players use during matches is for

Who is following the World Cup 2022 You may have noticed that some players are showing up to matches wearing a black mask covering their eyes and nose. It is the case of Son Heung-minfrom South Korea, and from Josko Gvardiol, from Croatia. But, after all, what is this mask for?

Both players suffered fractures in the face region before the world tournament. The Croatia defender, who also plays for RB Leipzig, broke his nose during a Bundesliga match in November when he collided with a teammate on the pitch.

“It was an injury that did not require surgery, but it needs to be protected so as not to run the risk of a new injury. The mask performs this protective function”, explains the otorhinolaryngologist Bruno Borges de Carvalho Barros, specialist for the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology.

Read more: Most common injuries in the World Cup: know the causes

Son, on the other hand, suffered a fractured face after colliding with the opponent of Olympique de Marseille, during a match for Tottenham, in the Champions League, in early November. “The player had an orbit fracture, close to the eye, and there is a healing time for bone consolidation. The mask is used as protection”, says Fábio Augusto Cozzolino, specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Hospital Albert Sabin.

There are different types of masks that can be used during the fracture treatment and recovery period. According to Fábio, there are options that protect the nose and orbit, such as those used by the Korean and Croatian national teams, but also those that protect the side of the face more. “It will depend on where the fracture occurred,” he explains.

Fractures to the face are common in football

This is nothing new in the world of football. Other players have already appeared wearing the mask before the World Cup. For example, Vasco goalkeeper Thiago Rodrigues, defender Cuesta and right-back Rafael, both from Botafogo, have already worn similar masks during Brazilian championship games. All of them suffered fractures to the face.

Not for less: Injuries are common in soccer.🇧🇷 “Mainly, in the region of the nose and on the side of the face”, explains Fábio. “They occur, especially, in ball divisions, in which, in an attempt to head the ball, two players collide, hitting that part of the face”, completes the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Even during the 2022 World Cup itself, still in the first round of the group stage, the Saudi Arabian side, Yasser Al-Shahrani, took a knee to the face in the match between the Arab team and Argentina. The player fractured his jaw and bones on the left side of his face and needed surgery.

Know more: Football injuries: how they happen and ways to avoid them

However, do not think that this is a danger only for soccer players: the Facial fracture is a common complication in traffic accidents and physical assaults.🇧🇷 In addition, it can also occur in those who practice fights such as jiu-jitsu and boxing.

What is the treatment and recovery of facial fractures like?

“Usually, the treatment is surgical. In most cases, it is necessary to reposition the bone part and fix it with plates and screws”, details Fábio. “The recovery time is the bone healing time, which lasts around two months”, he adds.

During this period, the patient must avoid contact and support of the fractured region🇧🇷 It is also important to rest for at least a week. In addition, if the fracture affects part of the dental arch, it is necessary to maintain a light or pasty diet for 15 to 30 days.