Atlanta United's Josef Martinez may have suffered a broken nose in the first half of Wednesday's 2-0 win against Columbus at MAPFRE Stadium.

Martinez, after scoring his league-leading 14th goal in the 30th minute in the first half, was subbed off at halftime because he couldn’t breathe, according to manager Gerardo Martino.

Martinez and Columbus’ Artur knocked heads on the goal. Trainers examined Martinez for several minutes. He returned to the game.

Martino said they hope to know more on the extent of Martinez’s injury in the coming days. Atlanta United is off until it hosts Chicago in the fifth round of the U.S. Open Cup on June 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

It was the second time in as many games that Atlanta United was forced to sub off one of its standout players. Martinez’s leaving followed Miguel Almiron being forced off at halftime of last week’s game at NYCFC with a shoulder injury. He started Wednesday’s game.

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Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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