How Man United's Alex Telles ended up with a huge scar on his head
Telles came out on the worse side of the collision. He broke his nose, cheekbone and eye socket in one go. As a result, he would be forced to undergo surgery that saw metal plates and screws inserted into his face.
Manchester United fans have only seen Alex Telles in action once since his move from Porto and so might not be aware of quite a distinct feature he has.
The Brazilian left-back, signed for £15.4 million on deadline day, has a large, curved scar in his hair that comes from the top of his head down to his ears on either side.
Telles' hairstyle means the scars isn't too easy to notice at first glance but he's not covering them. In fact, he's rather proud.
"They symbolise my story and my career," Telles said last year.
The history of the scars date back to 2013 when a 19-year-old Telles was maxing waves for Gremio in his native Brazil.
Playing in a big game against Internacional in February 2013, Telles challenged opposition defender Gabriel in the air and clash of heads ensued, reports Sport Bible.
Telles came out on the worse side of the collision. He broke his nose, cheekbone and eye socket in one go. As a result, he would be forced to undergo surgery that saw metal plates and screws inserted into his face.
"It was a very complicated episode," Gremio fitness Mario Pereira recalled in an interview with i.
"At first it just looked like another clash of heads, but with the scans, the gravity of the injury was seen.
"He was worried and upset. He spent three months out. But he is a player with great mental strength, and he had the support of his family and the club; it helped him come back stronger."
Telles turned out for the likes of Galatasaray, Inter Milan and Porto before sealing the big move to Old Trafford.
He made his debut in impressive fashion, playing as a left wing-back in the 2-1 Champions League win away at Paris Saint-Germain.
United fans loved his attacking intent and crossing ability but unfortunately he's been unable to build on that strong showing after testing positive for Covid-19.