Which Premier League Teams Have Suffered the Most Injuries?

From elite teams in the Premier League to local Sunday leagues, injuries are an unfortunate reality of football. This season, however, some teams have faced particularly challenging injury woes. Let’s delve into which sides are coping with the most injuries and the implications for their coaches.

Who Has Been Most Affected?

As media conferences echo through the Premier League on Friday afternoons, news often breaks about a key player missing out on an important match due to injury. While this scenario is common across the league, statistics reveal that certain teams have been impacted much more severely than others this season, notably Tottenham Hotspur.

In a thorough assessment by injury expert Ben Dinnery of premierinjuries.com, Premier Injuries evaluated the number of days players have lost due to injuries, as well as the total injuries that resulted in at least one missed match. By eliminating semi-fit players who might be rested, the analysis offers clearer insights into the situation.

Tottenham finds itself among the most affected clubs, sharing the dubious distinction of 19 reported injuries with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds. They also rank second in the total number of days lost due to injuries, only trailing Newcastle United.

Currently, Tottenham’s manager, Thomas Frank, is missing seven first-team players, including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, who have yet to take the field this season. Although Frank faces criticism for a cautious playing strategy, the injuries have certainly played a role in his team’s struggles. Yet, it’s worth noting that his current injury situation is less severe than what previous manager Ange Postecoglou faced at a similar point last season.

Fewer Injuries but ‘More Serious’

Tottenham is not alone in battling injuries among key players. Newcastle United has recorded the highest number of days lost due to injuries overall. They were particularly hit hard by a severe knee injury to new signing Yoane Wissa, which sidelined him even before he made his club debut. This has stretched their squad as they compete on multiple fronts, adversely affecting their away performances with only two league wins on the road.

Arsenal, currently leading the league, also faces significant injury challenges but has the depth to manage the situation effectively. They sit atop both the domestic league and the Champions League standings despite losing several days to injury. At the bottom of the league table, teams such as Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are facing even worse injury crises.

Overall, the Premier League has experienced 2,157 fewer days lost to injuries compared to the same point last season. However, the severity of several injuries appears to be increasing, as indicated by the trends recorded over the season. For instance, while the occurrence of hamstring injuries decreased by 23%, a stunning 60% of these injuries required a minimum of 30 days for recovery — the highest ratio the league has seen since data collection began in 2010.

‘Players Under Pressure to Play’ – Analysis

The dynamics around injuries have evolved, making them a major talking point among football fans, similar to metrics like expected goals (xG). We find ourselves in a league known for its high intensity, which is reflected in the data regarding sprints and intense runs, alongside diminishing recovery periods.

The rigorous football schedule creates an environment that pressures players, often leading to injuries that could have been avoided if proper recovery time were observed. Coaches and club management are increasingly asked about the return dates of injured players, resulting in situations where players may rush back onto the field, leading to potential re-injury.

There is also compelling evidence that a change in managerial styles can affect injury rates. A coaching shift often results in a spike in injuries related to the new regime’s heightened demands and philosophies.

Losing Key Players at Critical Times

The impact of injury is not merely about numbers; it also depends on timing and the roles of injured players. For example, while Arsenal has experienced a handful of injuries, Mikel Arteta’s squad right now has the fewest active injuries in the league, with just three players sidelined. This situation is favorable as they approach a crucial part of the season and have the opportunity to bolster their squad in January.

Conversely, Aston Villa is grappling with injuries to key central midfielders, including a significant knee injury to Boubacar Kamara, jeopardizing their title aspirations. Bournemouth has also faced a challenging season marred by 17 injuries, making it one of the hardest-hit teams, with eight players currently unavailable.

Other clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City are dealing with their own injury struggles, particularly in key defensive positions, although City has somewhat mitigated their troubles by signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Everton recently lost Jack Grealish to a serious foot issue, while relegation-battling clubs such as West Ham and Leeds have managed to keep injury numbers low, though they face challenges with smaller squads to cover for any absences.

As injuries continue to reshape the Premier League landscape, the timing of player returns will undoubtedly influence the fate of many clubs this season, particularly for managers like Thomas Frank, who eagerly awaits the return of his crucial players following recent setbacks.