‘World’s sexiest footballer’ Alisha Lehmann is left with a bloodied nose after battling victory for Switzerland over Sweden… as former team-mate labels her ‘so brave, strong and sexy’

Alisha Lehmann was left with a bloodied face after Switzerland's victory over Sweden in the Women's Nations League.

Aston Villa star Lehmann, 24 – dubbed the 'sexiest footballer in the world' – helped her country shock World Cup semi-finalists Sweden 1-0 in snowy conditions in the Swiss city of Lucerne.

However, Lehmann's play was marred by a collision that left her with a bloody nose and forced her to be sent off after 70 minutes.

Taking to Instagram – where she has 16 million followers and is the most followed female footballer – she said: 'A big fight yesterday, so happy with the 3 points and so proud of the team.'

Lehmann included several photos from the match, including one of her running with the ball, another celebrating Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic's goal, along with a video of her walking away to receive treatment for her injury.

Alisha Lehmann was left with a bloodied face after Switzerland's victory over Sweden

She has been called 'the sexiest footballer in the world' and has 16 million followers on Instagram

Ruesha Littlejohnm, Lehmann's former teammate at Aston Villa, then jumped in with a supportive response, saying: “So brave, so strong, so sexy.”

The win helped Switzerland secure their first points in the Nations League after struggling in a group with Italy, Spain and Sweden.

For their opponents, the defeat means they will now be unable to qualify for next year's Olympics, marking the first time they have ever missed the competition.

Lehmann's injury comes after she was targeted by trolls on international duty last month for wearing make-up during her country's 7-1 defeat to Switzerland.

But the abuse she received in the mail is nothing new; she spoke this summer about how she deals with trolls, many of whom have sent her mean messages telling her to “stay in the kitchen,” insisting it gives her strength.

“People often say: 'Women can't play football, they have to be in the kitchen,'” Lehmann told Sky Sports.

Lehmann played 70 minutes of her country's victory, which was their first Nations League win

The Aston Villa player has built a strong brand on social media and seen international fame

'Do you know what I actually think? Of course it's not nice to say, because we train so hard every day, but it gives me more strength.

'I feel bad when my mother sends me things. I tell her, “Don't read this, I would never read it.” To be honest, I don't really care (about the reactions). I just don't read or watch. I just turn it off and focus on the good responses.

'Behind a computer it is always easy to say something. I don't think people would stand in front of our female footballers and say, 'You can't play'.”

Lehmann hopes to be fully fit again for Switzerland's match with Italy on Tuesday, before Villa travel to Man City in the WSL next Saturday.