Tomas Soucek took to social media following West Ham’s 1-0 win at Everton to assure fans ‘not to worry’ after taking an accidental Salomon Rondon boot to the face.
The Czech international, who saw a goal in the first half ruled out for offside, had to come off 12 minutes from time after suffering a nasty facial injury.
Having tried to tackle Rondon, Soucek was struck in the face by the Blues striker’s stray studs.
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The towering midfielder received treatment on the pitch from West Ham’s physios and images showed what appeared to be a wound below his eye.
Replaced by defender Craig Dawson, the Hammers, who led through an Angelo Ogbonna header, hung on without their influential talisman to take the three points.
And after the game, Soucek shared a picture of his face having had stitches from the dressing room and coach, telling his 70,000 Twitter followers: “A few more stitches on my face, to add to my collection.
“I never give up for any reason. Great win lads and keep up the good work. Don’t worry, I am still alive.”
While Soucek went home smiling despite his injuries, Rondon and his team-mates will have been disappointed after Sunday’s result saw them fall to eighth in the Premier League table, below West Ham on goal difference.
Next up for the Toffees is another home game when they welcome Watford to Goodison Park next Saturday.
