Arsenal's David Raya's undergoes nose surgery after suffering horror facial injury

 David Raya's Journey: From Blackburn Injury to Premier League Stardom

David Raya, Arsenal's goalkeeper, faced a life-changing facial injury during his time with Blackburn Rovers, altering his nose permanently.

Initially loaned to Southport in the 2014/15 season, Raya later solidified his role as Blackburn's primary goalkeeper in 2017.

Despite his rise, many fans are unaware of the severe facial trauma Raya endured in his final Blackburn season, notably during a match against West Brom, where an accidental collision with Jay Rodriguez resulted in a horrifying injury.

The impact was severe, requiring immediate medical attention, including oxygen and hospitalization, with manager Tony Mowbray revealing the near-piercing of Raya's skull by his nose bone.

Blackburn confirmed Raya's broken nose and extensive facial stitches, though fortunately, the injury wasn't as grave as initially feared. Nevertheless, Raya returned to the pitch two weeks later, albeit with a protective mask, showcasing his resilience by watching the remainder of the West Brom game from the ambulance.

Despite needing nose reconstruction surgery, Raya postponed the procedure until the season's end, a testament to his dedication and determination.

Fast forward two years, Raya's journey continued at Brentford, where he played a pivotal role in their Championship promotion in 2020/21, subsequently establishing himself as one of the Premier League's elite goalkeepers.

Raya's stellar performances this season highlight his evolution as one of the Premier League's finest goalkeepers, leading the league with 13 clean sheets, with potential for further success pending Arsenal's upcoming match against Tottenham.

Speculation surrounds Raya's future, with reports suggesting a possible permanent move to Arsenal at season's end, buoyed by Mikel Arteta's admiration for the Spaniard's exceptional performances.