Will Stefan Posch Play Against Argentina Despite Fractured Jaw?

Stefan Posch, an Austrian defender, is facing uncertainty about playing against Argentina after sustaining a fractured jaw. Coach Ralf Rangnick expressed concern following the team's 3-1 victory over Jordan, stating that a broken jaw would sideline Posch for the remainder of the tournament.

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We have to hope that it is not a fractured jaw. Because if it were, he would actually be out for the rest of the tournament.

Posch reported pain in his lower jaw after a collision on the field. A CT scan later confirmed a fracture, though specific details were not released by the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB). The ÖFB indicated that it remains to be seen whether Posch will be fit to play against Argentina.

Despite the injury, Posch participated in training on Saturday, wearing a custom-made splint. This suggests that his participation against Lionel Messi and his team might still be possible, defying initial fears of a tournament-ending injury. The team is awaiting further assessment to determine his availability.

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It depends very much on the type of injury. There is a wide range for jaw fractures. Basically, a jaw fracture is a serious injury in any case.

Werner Milessi, a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, explained that the ability to play with a fractured jaw depends heavily on the injury's nature. He noted that jaw fractures vary greatly, with lower jaw fractures often being more severe due to instability. The key factors are whether the fracture is displaced or a simple crack. A minor crack might only require rest, while more severe fractures could necessitate surgery. Milessi also touched upon the mental aspect, acknowledging that while pain tolerance varies, playing a full 90 minutes under intense physical demands with such an injury presents a significant challenge.

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The consideration is fundamentally correct: such an injury can have consequences. But it depends very much on how much is actually affected. It can be that the patient feels hardly anything.