Gianluigi Donnarumma continues to shine for Paris Saint-Germain despite still wearing the scar from a horrible facial injury sustained in December.
The Italy international played a key role as PSG knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League at the round of 16 stage and he will be in goal when Aston Villa visit the Parc des Princes in the first leg of the quarter-finals tomorrow night.
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How did Donnarumma get the scar?
The incident occurred on December 18, 2024 during PSG’s game against Monaco.
Donnarumma came out to block a shot from Wilfried Singo and succeeded but, unfortunately, the Monaco defender accidentally caught the goalkeeper in the face as he tried to hurdle over him, opening up a deep gash on his right cheek.
The PSG medical staff were called immediately and, following lengthy treatment, Donnarumma was taken off after 22 minutes and replaced by Matvey Safonov.
❗️scontro durissimo per #Donnarumma, che rimedia un danno al volto ed è costretto ad uscire da campo al 22’. 😦 in bocca al lupo a Gigio. pic.twitter.com/C5Qj4VLQCo
— Marco Varini (@mvcalcio) December 18, 2024
What was said immediately afterwards?
Singo was on a yellow card but escaped further punishment with referee Francois Letexier believing the contact was accidental.
PSG boss Luis Enrique refused to criticise Letexier, telling beIN Sports: “The refereeing decisions? I can’t do anything, I couldn’t see the action, but when you see an action like that it’s always difficult.
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“The players don’t intend to hurt. It’s difficult to referee this kind of match.”
Singo was quick to apologise on social media, saying: “My gesture was obviously not intentional, but I was able to see afterwards that he had a significant injury to his face.
“I wish you a good recovery.”
What treatment did Donnarumma receive?
The former AC Milan man required 10 staples to be placed around the wound.
Donnaruma needed multiple stitches after this collision in the box 😳 pic.twitter.com/gOq7Qk9Xqz
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 19, 2024
When did he return to action?
Donnarumma was captured in training on January 2 after having Christmas off. The scar was still visible – and is likely to remain so for many years – but the 26-year-old told the club’s in-house media channel he was “good, I recover very well.”
Donnarumma made his return to first-team action on January 5, against Monaco again, in the Trophee des Champions. Singo did not play as he was suspended.
How has Donnarumma played since?
He has been exceptional, particularly in the return leg against Liverpool at Anfield.
Donnarumma made a string of impressive saves as PSG won 1-0 on the night and then starred in the penalty shoot-out, saving efforts from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones to help his team through.
