Liverpool women's goalkeeper Fran Kitching shocked fans by sharing images of horrendous-looking head injuries following a training ground incident.
The 21-year-old, previously of Chelsea and Watford , missed her side's 1-0 win against Bristol City on Sunday, but it became clear why as she posted on social media to explain her absence.
She took to Instagram to share photos of her huge cut, which required stitches, while she also suffered two black eyes in the incident.
The injuries were sustained while she was trying to gather a loose ball on the floor in training last week.
Along with the pictures Kitching wrote: "So this happened on Tuesday hence why I'm not with the girls for today's game...
"This has got to be the worst injury I've ever had as a goalkeeper but after a lot of swelling and pain (and looking like a cabbage patch doll!) I can finally say I'm feeling a lot better and ready to get back out there with my girlies!
"I'm supporting them every minute from home @liverpoolfcw.
"See ya back on the pitch soon- love from Fran aka HP (For now) BRB."
It is not yet clear how long Kitching will be out for, but she will no doubt need a while longer to recover from her traumatic incident.
Her deputy in goal, Anke Preuss, kept a clean sheet in Liverpool's victory over Bristol City, a result which moved the Reds off the bottom of the table and into 11th place in the Women's Super League as they battle to avoid relegation.
They next face Blackburn Rovers on Sunday in the FA Cup fourth round before another big game near the bottom of the table in the WSL when they take on 10th place Birmingham City LFC on February 2.
