ILKAY GUNDOGAN has been forced to wear a face mask in training following summer nose surgery.
The Manchester City midfield ace returned to action this week after his post-World Cup break.
And the 27-year-old Germany star was seen in the protective gear after an operation to correct a deviated septum, as reported by the Daily Mail.
He had been planning to go under the knife for some time as he struggled with his breathing.
Gundogan is expected to wear the mask for the first two weeks of the season, and has even joked he looks like fictional vigilante Zorro.
The midfielder will be available to play against Chelsea in the Community Shield following Germany's early exit from the World Cup.
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Gundogan has returned earlier than his other team-mates who played in Russia after Die Mannschaft were eliminated in the group stages.
Belgium duo Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany were involved in the final week of the tournament, along with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Fabian Delph.
They will be present at Sunday's match at Wembley, but are not expected to return to training until Monday.
This gives youngsters like 18-year-old Phil Foden a chance to impress and make a case for game time as City prepare for their Premier League title defence.
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