Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has revealed the extent of the facial injury suffered by Douglas Luiz in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United, claiming that the Brazilian will ‘need some expert help’ in getting it right.
Luiz was on the end of a high boot from South American rival Manuel Lanzini right at the end of the first-half and it was evident from the off that it had left the midfielder incredibly dazed.
The Villa players in the vicinity of the challenge were demanding a red card from referee Jarred Gillett but he adjudged it just a yellow, a decision that VAR agreed with.
Luiz did return for the second-half but not after receiving some stitches to his lips at the break.
Speaking after the game, Gerrard explained that the 23-year-old will now require facial surgery to correct what was a real nasty blow.
“It’s a mouth injury, he’s going to need some expert help,” explained the manager.
“There will be no kissing for him tonight.
“I’m pleased he played on, that’s the type of character I want.”
Villa also lost left-back Lucas Digne after just 10 minutes and Gerrard added that he will be sent for an MRI scan on a muscle injury but is keeping everything crossed that it isn’t too serious.
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