Socceroo striker Tim Cahill has been dealt a double blow overnight, suffering a broken nose in his side's 3-0 loss to Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League.
The Shanghai Shenhua frontman had a nasty facial collision with an opponent just shy of the hour mark that left Cahill bloodied and requiring treatment.
The 35-year-old was eagerly trying to win back possession for his side as they chased the game, with the awkward head clash flooring both players but leaving Cahill worse for wares.
Cahill was given medical assistance as he looked to be momentarily concussed and was subsequently substituted. He later revealed on social media the incident had left his nose “a little broken.”
The injury will come as a set-back for the former Everton star, who celebrated his first goal for his new club last weekend.
Shanghai's home loss sees them slip to fifth on the ladder and they'll next play a derby against Shanghai SIPG on matchday nine.
The result sent Guangzhou Evergrande to the top of the CSL table as they prepare to welcome Western Sydney Wanderers in the Asian Champions League on Tuesday night.
The defending champions must beat Guangzhou and rely on a draw in the other match of their group in order to progress to the knock-out stages.