Why is Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask at World Cup 2022?

JOSKO GVARDIOL is one of the most sought-after talents in European football.

The RB Leipzig centre-back, 20, has attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid in recent months.

ReutersJosko Gvardiol puts on his face mask after the anthems at the World Cup in Qatar[/caption]

But he has remained loyal to the Bundesliga club, who are regulars in the Champions League.

And fans will have noticed the Croatia star is wearing an unfamiliar facial decoration during their World Cup campaign, starting against Morocco.

Why is Josko Gvardiol wearing a mask?

Gvardiol was taken to hospital on November 10, during Leipzig’s 3-1 Bundesliga win over Freiburg.

He collided with team-mate Willi Orban in the 17th minute and injured his face.

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Gvardiol wasn’t actually supposed to start the game but Abdou Diallo injured his knee in the warm-up.

Unfortunately for Gvardiol, he injured his face, with a nose and eye injury.

Scans later showed he broke his nose and is therefore being forced to wear a face mask at the World Cup.