This season could be like no other for injuries
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The world is still in the grip of COVID-19, with many countries still in lockdown and movement of people restricted. Yet, football goes on mostly throughout the world.
Most major European leagues have already had cases of COVID-19 disrupting teams with players self-isolating and being unable to take part in training and games. Despite regular testing, the virus has still spread through certain clubs and made life difficult.
However, the virus itself is not the only issue when it comes to COVID-19. One of the other consequences of last season finishing late is that there was barely a pre-season for several of the top leagues. That has resulted in players not having much of a break.
The clubs that can have attempted to deal with the issue of fatigue by rotating their squads when possible. However, most teams cannot afford to rest their key players for too long. No break and rest mean more pressure on the player's muscles, which leads to more injuries.
This is only going to get worse as the 2020/21 season continues. With a European Championships next summer followed by a World Cup in 2022, these players are unlikely to get much of a rest for a very long time. They may be finely tuned athletes, but they are still people and they will break down.
Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City chief Pep Guardiola have both suggested reintroducing the five substitute rule to prevent injuries and burnouts.
While many will just see this suggestion as the pair attempting to gain an advantage due to the superior resources at their disposal, they have valid points about protecting the players.
Every major European league is likely to see an upturn in injuries which will only be bad news for clubs, players and supporters alike, as players will pick up injuries that will likely keep them sidelined and may have lasting damage.
It seems that we could see more injuries than ever before this season and a season like never before because of it.
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