Dundee's Joe Westley Playing Through Fractured Cheekbone With Mask

The 21-year-old striker declined surgery after being stretchered off at Tynecastle and has returned to lead the line wearing protective headgear.

Dundee forward Joe Westley is continuing to play despite suffering a fractured cheekbone two weeks ago at Tynecastle. The 21-year-old was carried off on a stretcher during that match, but he turned down surgery and has returned to action wearing a protective mask.

Westley had originally been brought in as a goalscorer, and after a stint in midfield last season he has moved back up front to lead the line. He has scored three goals in 537 minutes of Scottish Premiership football this season, roughly one every two games.

The knee injury he suffered in December had previously kept him out for around three months. His availability has coincided with what is regarded as one of the strongest attacking units the club has had in years.

Dundee head into the international break sitting fourth in the Premiership. The pause in fixtures is expected to allow injured players to recover and give the squad time to build familiarity.

Manchester United loan midfielder Jack Moorhouse, who was the club's top summer target, is another player viewed as one to watch once matches resume.