Lazio centre-back Mauricio has rejected the chance to have to surgery on the broken nose which he sustained in the Biancocelesti’s 3-2 win over St Etienne.
The Brazilian had to be substituted at half-time because of the injury to the nasal bone, but will be still available for selection after he turned down surgery, saying that he would rather play with a mask.
“Unfortunately I had to leave the game,” complained Mauricio on his Instagram page.
“In the hospital, the situation was clear: I had broken my nose into two parts. They asked me if I wanted to have surgery, but that I would be out for a month.
“So I chose not to have surgery. I want to be with the team. I want to work hard to come back even stronger.
“I feel good and I’ll have to wear a mask, but at least I’ll always be with my teammates to fight for Lazio!”
