Jan Paul van Hecke injury update: Why Netherlands defender was left bloodied in Round of 32 match vs. Morocco

It wasn't Jan Paul van Hecke's aim to resemble a boxer during his first World Cup. The Netherlands defender has long sported an elegant game, shaped by smooth strides, deft passing and occasional swash-buckling run towards the opposition goal.

And yet, his face has been left battered and bruised through four games in this year's tournament. The Dutch star was left with a shiner in Netherlands' first game of the tournament. In its latest, his face was draped in blood.

Here's what you need to know about Van Hecke's injury, one of the bloodiest to take place in this year's World Cup.

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Jan Paul van Hecke injury update

Van Hecke was left bloodied after taking a cleat to the face on Monday night. The Dutch defender was caught by a stray cleat while attempting to defend, leaving his signature blonde locks covered in red.

Jan Paul van Hecke is bleeding from the head pic.twitter.com/TzWXTdKrjP

Medical personnel raced to tend to the defender, who joined Tottenham Hotspur over the summer after a six-year stint with Brighton and Hove Albion. He appeared to receive staples for the gash, which took shape above his right temple.

After a brief spell on the sideline, Van Hecke returned to the contest. He looked undaunted by his wound, reacting quickly to turn away a budding Moroccan attack moments later.

📸 - VAN HECKE TOP TACKLE THERE! pic.twitter.com/zYl5dHIpC1

Jan Paul van Hecke black eye

Monday's malady wasn't the first that befell Van Hecke. During Netherlands first group stage game against Japan, the Oranje defender was left with a black eye after being caught by an inadvertent boot.

Jan Paul van Hecke has given it all for the Netherlands during the World Cup 🤕 pic.twitter.com/DYcjknHGMl

Postgame, Van Hecke admitted that the injury affected his vision.

"He kicked me in the eye with all his might," Van Hecke said, per The Mirror. "I was heading for the ball, so I thought something might happen

"At some point, it definitely affected my vision. I can't see very well on that side right now. I hope it will get a little better in a few days. I think it will swell up a bit more later, but that's also part of the game."

Van Hecke kept his place in Ronald Koeman's side, completing the full 90 minutes in that contest. He hasn't missed a minute during Netherlands' World Cup run.