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A plastic surgeon specialising in the kind of injuries Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff suffered in his horror crash last year has said the cricket legend could face permanent damage.
Flintoff, 45, has not been seen in public since suffering serious injuries when his car flipped while filming a segment for Top Gear on December 13, 2022, after which he had to wait 45 minutes for an air ambulance. The ex-England cricketer reportedly wasn't wearing a helmet and had no airbag when his open-top Morgan Super 3 turned on its hood, with some crew member witnesses taking indefinite leave from the BBC show due to PTSD.
Riccardo Frati – a surgeon based in London who has 'extensive experience in nasal reconstruction and post trauma injuries – told Daily Star Sport such crashes usually come with a 'high rate of mortality'. In that context, Flintoff may well have been fortunate to escape with the facial scars seen during Friday's appearance at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
"Multiple superficial or deep wound injuries involving the skin and soft tissue at different layers could have been caused by this type of car crash trauma at such high speed," said Frati. "Deeper structures like facial nerves branches can be temporary or permanently injured and as a result of it, partial or extensive facial paresis can develop."
READ MORE: Inside Freddie Flintoff's near-fatal Top Gear crash – from agonising wait to staff's PTSD
While Flintoff displayed scarring next to his right nostril and on his chin, it was also apparent that the right side of the former Lancashire star's mouth was drooping. While that kind of injury could recover over a long period of time, Frati went on to suggest that particular change could become permanent.
"The right side of his lower face seems to be drooping due to a partial facial nerve injury affecting the various facial muscles responsible for the lower lip and facial muscle expressions," the surgeon continued. "It is possible to be permanent but it will take a long time to recover."
The BBC later apologised to Flintoff for the incident and confirmed other members of the production were struggling with its impact. Frati also gave his opinion that the cricket star could have 'sustained lesser injuries' had he been wearing a helmet.
What's your favourite moment from Freddie Flintoff's glittering cricket career? Let us know in the comments section below.
It was reported at the time of the incident that Flintoff had suffered several broken ribs in the crash along with his facial injuries. Frati speculated the "mid-cheek bones could have been fractured, too," with some visible redness on the right side of his face.
England captain Jos Buttler was delighted to have Flintoff as part of the coaching team ahead of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. However, he said the great has 'no specific role' within the setup.
When asked whether there was any additional risk of aggravating his injuries should he get too close to the action, Frati compared Flintoff's injuries with those of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, whose 'eye nearly came out of its socket' following a collision with PSG defender Milan Skriniar (then at Inter Milan) in November 2021.
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"He will need to wear a protective mask covering to protect all the facial areas involved in the car crash which are likely to be fragile for several months," he continued. "And then he can restart his practice by wearing the protective mask."
It's unknown when Flintoff underwent his most recent facial surgery, with suggestions made among fans the two-time Ashes winner could have received skin grafts.
The England great is only working with England for the New Zealand series as things stand, but Buttler commented his compatriot has "settled in really well."
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