The nose is exposed in challenges involving heads, shoulders, elbows and knees. According to Ardesh, swelling or a visible bend can mask internal damage, including a deviated septum or a pocket of blood in the septum that requires urgent attention.
“The nose may appear only swollen or crooked,” the report says, while airflow is already being restricted. For players who rely on repeated bursts of running, clear breathing is not a cosmetic luxury. “Se os pacientes não estão recebendo bom fluxo de ar pelo nariz, não vão atuar no melhor nível,” Ardesh says.
Initial treatment focuses on stopping bleeding and checking for more serious damage. The report says players should be kept leaning forward rather than allowing blood to run into the throat, while medical staff assess the possibility of concussion, orbital injuries or fractures to the cheekbone and jaw.
Swelling can make an early diagnosis difficult. In less severe cases, repositioning may take place after the inflammation settles; more complex breathing or structural problems can require reconstructive surgery months later.
Protective masks have become a familiar sight in football. A recent report points to Djed Spence, Stefan Posch and goalkeeper Luca Zidane as players who have reportedly used facial protection, while Kylian Mbappé and Joško Gvardiol are established examples of stars returning with masks.
The equipment can protect a healing area, but it cannot remove every risk. Vision, comfort and movement remain crucial, which is why Ardesh believes masks are more likely to remain optional recovery tools than compulsory football equipment.
“They are fighters. They do not want to leave the field,” he says.
The next test will come whenever another prominent player suffers a facial injury: whether clubs prioritise a rapid return, or give breathing, healing and long-term function the final word.