Injury Impact on Premier League Teams: A Closer Look at the Numbers

Injuries have been a major concern for teams in the current season. Liverpool and Chelsea, for instance, were missing a total of 19 squad players due to injuries leading up to the Carabao Cup final. Newcastle and Manchester United have also faced challenges with extensive injury lists affecting their form.

The Most Affected Teams

According to Premier Injuries data, Newcastle has lost a staggering 1,333 days due to injuries since the start of the season. Brentford follows closely with 1,159 days lost, while Brighton, Chelsea, Sheffield United, Manchester United, and Tottenham have also suffered significant injury setbacks.

On the other hand, Wolves have lost only 316 days to injuries, which is less than a quarter of Newcastle's total. West Ham, Everton, Manchester City, and Bournemouth have also experienced relatively fewer injuries.

Injury Numbers

Newcastle leads the league with 29 separate injuries, closely followed by Manchester United and Brighton with 28 injuries each. Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea have all suffered 27 lay-offs this season. Wolves and West Ham have had the fewest injuries, with only 13 and 16 respectively.

Current Injury and Suspension Status

Liverpool currently has the highest number of players sidelined, with 12 players out due to injuries. Brighton and Sheffield United follow with nine players each. Wolves, West Ham, and Manchester City have the fewest players on the treatment table.

Factors Contributing to Injuries

While workload and playing styles have been speculated as potential causes for the rise in injuries, the correlation is not straightforward. Liverpool and Manchester City have played the most games this season, but only Manchester United has been significantly affected by injuries. Liverpool, however, attributes their injury crisis to their hectic fixture schedule.

In terms of intensity, sprints per team per game have increased by nine percent since tracking data became available.

Injury Trends

The forecasts indicate a slight increase in injuries compared to previous seasons. Teams are projected to collectively lose 21,505 days due to injuries, which is slightly higher than last season and notably higher than in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Squad Depth and Injury Management

The number of players used by each team in the Premier League seems to correlate with the clubs most affected by injuries. Newcastle, Sheffield United, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool have been heavily impacted by injuries and have also used the most players this season. Conversely, Wolves, West Ham, and Manchester City have been among the least-affected clubs, using 25 or fewer players.

In conclusion, injuries have had a significant impact on teams this season, with some clubs suffering more than others. While the causes of injuries are complex and multifaceted, it is clear that injuries can disrupt team performance and require effective management strategies.