Sevilla defender Escude suffers broken nose

Sevilla defender Julien Escude will miss the next month of the season after breaking his nose.

The French international suffered the injury while playing in France's controversial World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night.

France qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals after a William Gallas goal following a clear handball from striker Thierry Henry. However, Escude had to leave the pitch before the final whistle after suffering an accidental elbow from teammate Patrick Evra.

That blow broke his nose and the central defender has undergone an operation to repair the damage.

"He had an open wound as a result of being hit on the left of his nose. He suffered a cut and broke his nasal bone," explained Sevilla doctor Juan Rivas in sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.

"As it is a fracture, the normal recovery time is between 30 and 40 days," added Dr Rivas, who nevertheless gave the defender some room for hope.

"In this situation, given there is not a lot of mobility in the area, when he has passed the first week of recovery, maybe he will be able to play. However, he would have to wear a protective mask to avoid an further blow," said the doctor.

Source: Xinhua