The Phoenix Suns said Monday that former league MVP Steve Nash will play in game four of the NBA team's semifinal series against Los Angeles Lakers despite a broken nose.

Nash suffered the "minimally displaced nasal fracture with displaced cartilage" in a 118-109 win on Sunday when he clashed heads with Laker guard Derek Fisher during a battle for the ball in the fourth quarter.

The 36-year-old Canadian tried to put his nose back in place by himself on the court in the game three, but unsuccessfully did.

He left to have surgery on Monday after undergoing practice with his Suns' teammates.

Nash is key to the Suns' campaign in the NBA playoffs as the team heads into a home match with hopes of equaling the series if they win on Tuesday.