Which Team Has Suffered Most with Injuries in the 2024-25 Premier League Season?

The Impact of Injuries on Premier League Clubs This Season

Injuries have always been a significant concern in football, especially in the high-intensity environment of the Premier League. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, player fatigue, fixture congestion, and injuries have once again been at the forefront of discussion. With clubs battling not just for league positions but also for their squads’ fitness, the question arises: which team has been hit hardest by injuries this season?

A look at the injury data from Premier Injuries, in collaboration with BBC Sport, provides an insightful overview of how injuries have affected different Premier League clubs. By tracking the number of injuries and the total days lost by players, we can analyze which teams are struggling most with their squads’ fitness.

Injury Data Overview for the 2024-25 Premier League Season

According to data gathered from Premier Injuries, several clubs have experienced notable injury problems this season. The most significant issue appears to be the number of injuries sustained and the subsequent days lost to recovery. While some clubs have had long-term injury setbacks, others have dealt with a combination of injuries that have affected their squad depth.

Here’s a snapshot of the clubs that have suffered the most injuries this season:

Club	Player Injuries	Days Lost
Brighton	17	638
Ipswich	17	530
Tottenham	16	408
Arsenal	16	406
Aston Villa	15	319
Man City	14	372
Crystal Palace	11	444
Liverpool	11	382
Southampton	11	343
Man Utd	11	265
Leicester	11	247
Wolves	10	350
Newcastle	10	252
Everton	9	287
Fulham	9	246
Bournemouth	9	227
Brentford	8	286
Chelsea	8	234
Nottm Forest	6	298
West Ham	5	141

From this table, we see that Brighton and Ipswich are the two clubs that have suffered the most injuries in terms of both the number of players injured and the total days lost to these injuries. Brighton, in particular, has endured a hefty toll, with 17 injuries resulting in a total of 638 days lost, while Ipswich’s injury tally matches that of Brighton in terms of player numbers, but with slightly fewer days lost.

Tottenham and Arsenal also appear on the list with 16 injuries each, while defending champions Manchester City have experienced 14 injuries, which have taken a toll on the squad, including some high-profile players like Rodri.

The Impact of Key Injuries on Tottenham and Arsenal

Tottenham and Arsenal are among the clubs most affected by injuries this season. For Tottenham, the missing centre-backs have been a significant issue. The absence of key defenders has left the club vulnerable, with their defensive options stretched thin. This has led to an inconsistent run of form, with the team unable to settle into a stable defensive rhythm. The loss of important players has not only impacted their defensive capabilities but also the team’s overall balance.

Arsenal, meanwhile, has been missing the creative spark of Martin Ødegaard, their captain and midfield orchestrator. Ødegaard’s absence has been felt keenly, especially in crucial matches where his vision and playmaking abilities are needed most. Without him, Arsenal has struggled to maintain the same fluidity and precision in their attacking play, leaving them to rely on other players to step up and fill the void.

Man City’s Injury Crisis Under Pep Guardiola

Manchester City’s injury woes this season have been particularly alarming given their usual depth and strong squad management under Pep Guardiola. While Guardiola is known for his meticulous approach to player fitness and rotation, the club has still faced significant injury issues. The most notable of these has been the injury to Rodri, a key player in City’s midfield. His absence has left a noticeable gap in City’s play, affecting their ability to control matches in the same commanding way they usually do.

Despite the significant number of injuries, Guardiola has continued to rotate his squad in an attempt to manage the load on his players. The challenge for City is that while their squad depth is vast, injuries to high-impact players like Rodri have tested their resilience. It’s a reminder that even the best-planned squads can struggle when faced with a significant injury crisis.

The Role of Fixture Congestion and Player Fatigue

One of the main reasons for the increased number of injuries this season has been the fixture congestion that clubs are facing. The demanding schedule, exacerbated by domestic and international commitments, has put players under intense physical strain. This has led to higher rates of muscle injuries, particularly to the hamstrings, calves, and ankles. The sheer volume of games means players are not always able to recover fully between matches, contributing to a higher risk of injuries.

As Premier Injuries’ Ben Dinnery pointed out, hamstring injuries have accounted for almost a quarter of all injuries this season, highlighting the impact of fatigue on players’ physical condition. These muscle injuries are often a direct result of the increased pressure on players to perform at the highest level, week in and week out.

Injuries in Other Premier League Clubs

In addition to the top clubs, other Premier League teams like Brighton, Ipswich, and Aston Villa have also been heavily affected by injuries. Brighton’s injury record has been particularly concerning, with the team facing a number of setbacks that have hindered their progress. Despite this, they have managed to maintain a strong position in the league, which is a testament to their depth and squad management.

Ipswich, promoted to the Premier League this season, has also faced a series of injuries as they adapt to the rigors of top-flight football. Despite losing key players, they have managed to remain competitive, although the loss of several important figures has undoubtedly affected their season.

Injury Trends Across Premier League Clubs

Ben Dinnery also noted that while injuries have been a concern this season, there has been an overall reduction in injury numbers compared to the same stage last year. According to the data, the overall number of injury incidents has decreased by about 20%, and the “burden” of injuries (in terms of days lost) has also seen a 30% reduction. This indicates that, while injuries remain a significant issue, teams have made strides in managing player fitness more effectively.

However, Dinnery also suggested that the narrative surrounding injuries may be exaggerated due to the high-profile nature of certain injuries to key players like Rodri, Ødegaard, and others. These injuries often draw more attention than those sustained by lesser-known players, which can skew the perception of the overall injury situation.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Challenge of Injuries in Premier League Football

The 2024-25 Premier League season has highlighted the ongoing challenge of injuries and player fatigue. Clubs like Brighton, Ipswich, Tottenham, and Arsenal have been particularly hard hit, with some key players missing large portions of the season. Despite this, the injury numbers overall are down from last season, suggesting that clubs are managing their squads more efficiently.

Injuries will always be a part of football, and as the season progresses, clubs will need to continue adapting to the demands of a congested fixture schedule. For teams like Manchester City and Arsenal, the key to navigating these challenges will be maintaining squad depth and ensuring that key players can recover properly. As for teams like Brighton and Ipswich, their ability to perform despite significant injury setbacks is a testament to their resilience and depth, even when their injury numbers are higher than most.

As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how injuries continue to impact Premier League clubs, and whether some of the worst-hit teams can overcome their injury crises and compete at the highest level.