Which Premier League players have visible scars from serious injuries?

In the high-stakes world of the Premier League, players often push their physical limits, sometimes resulting in severe injuries that leave lasting physical scars. These incidents not only impact their careers but also serve as sobering reminders of the sport's inherent risks. Join us as we delve into the stories of Premier League players who have endured such injuries, exploring the circumstances and the indelible marks they've carried forward.

Petr Čech: The Goalkeeper's Protective Headgear

In October 2006, during a match against Reading, Chelsea's goalkeeper Petr Čech suffered a life-threatening skull fracture following a collision with midfielder Stephen Hunt. The impact required emergency surgery and left Čech with a depressed skull fracture. Upon his return to football, he donned protective headgear, which became a permanent part of his on-field attire, symbolizing both his ordeal and resilience.

Raul Jimenez: A Striker's Courageous Comeback

Wolverhampton Wanderers' forward Raul Jimenez experienced a harrowing incident in November 2020 when he collided heads with Arsenal's David Luiz during a Premier League match. The clash resulted in a fractured skull for Jimenez, necessitating immediate surgery. After a prolonged recovery period, he returned to play wearing protective headgear, a constant reminder of the severity of his injury and his determination to continue his career.

David Busst: A Career Cut Short

In April 1996, Coventry City's defender David Busst suffered one of the most horrific injuries in football history during a match against Manchester United. A collision with players Denis Irwin and Brian McClair led to compound fractures of both the tibia and fibula in his right leg. Despite multiple surgeries, complications including infections ensued, ultimately forcing Busst to retire from professional football. The incident left him with significant scarring and serves as a stark example of the sport's dangers.

Dion Dublin: Overcoming a Broken Neck

In December 1999, Aston Villa's striker Dion Dublin sustained a life-threatening injury, breaking his neck during a match against Sheffield Wednesday. The injury required the insertion of a titanium plate to hold three neck vertebrae together. Remarkably, Dublin returned to professional football just months later, but the physical scars and the implanted titanium plate remained as permanent reminders of the incident.

Stuart Holden: Battling Knee Injuries

Bolton Wanderers' midfielder Stuart Holden faced a series of severe knee injuries during his career. In March 2011, a tackle by Manchester United's Jonny Evans resulted in a gash requiring 26 stitches and a fractured femur near the knee joint. Despite multiple surgeries and rehabilitation efforts, Holden's career was marred by recurring injuries, leaving him with lasting physical scars and ultimately leading to his early retirement.

Son Heung-min: The Masked Forward

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min suffered an orbital fracture in his left eye following a collision during a UEFA Champions League match in November 2022. The injury required surgery, and upon his return, Son wore a protective mask during games to safeguard the healing fracture. The incident left him with facial scarring and highlighted the risks of head injuries in football.

Stuart Dallas: A Long Road to Recovery

Leeds United's Stuart Dallas suffered a severe femoral fracture in April 2022 during a match against Manchester City. The injury required surgery and extensive rehabilitation, causing him to miss the entire 2022-23 season. Despite efforts to return, Dallas announced his retirement in April 2024, citing irreparable damage to his knee. The physical scars from his injury marked the end of his professional playing career.

Axel Tuanzebe: A Domestic Accident

In a non-match-related incident, Ipswich Town's Axel Tuanzebe nearly lost his thumb in a freak accident at home in 2025. While washing dishes, a glass shattered, causing a severe cut that required immediate surgery. The injury left him with significant scarring and sidelined him for an extended period, underscoring the unpredictable nature of injuries footballers can face.

What You Should Know About Premier League Players and Permanent Injury Scars

• Premier League players have endured severe injuries resulting in permanent physical scars, impacting their careers and lives.
• Notable incidents include Petr Čech's skull fracture, Raúl Jiménez's head injury, and David Busst's career-ending leg break.
• Some players, like Dion Dublin and Stuart Holden, managed to return to play despite significant injuries, while others, such as Stuart Dallas, were forced into early retirement.
• These cases highlight the physical risks inherent in professional football and the resilience of players facing such adversities.