Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi admits he is taking a “big risk” by playing with a fractured cheekbone.
With the aid of a protective mask, the 29-year-old returned to first-team duty on Saturday for the first time since suffering the injury during the game against Fulham last month.
And Ameobi has revealed the dangers he faces should he take another blow to the face.
The Nigerian said: “I know I've taken a big risk because the surgeon has told me if it does go again he won't operate because it would be too dangerous.
“The mask is made of the material they use in bullet-proof glass and it's see-through so aesthetically it's not too bad.
“It is moulded to my face, but when you do move around and sweat that creates a bit of movement that ideally you wouldn't want.”
He added: “Having something on your face you're not used to is strange.
“It's not so much the fact it's there, it's making sure you don't think about it and just get on with it.
“Any little thing that distracts you like that will put you off your game, and it's trying to get over that mental hurdle and just dealing with it.”