The 2023/24 Premier League season has entertained a huge number of injuries so far with stars from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City amongst those who have endured extended stays on the sidelines.
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why so many injuries have occurred but with the festive period just around the corner, the number of casualties is likely to increase with the busy schedule coming into full swing.
Here at SportsLens it got us thinking, what would be the best Premier League starting XI using players that are currently crocked? Read on to find out our chosen 4-4-2 line-up.
Goalkeeper
- Nick Pope
- Newcastle
- Dislocated Shoulder
Nick Pope’s injury update has confirmed he will undergo surgery on a dislocated shoulder. Pope’s injury is expected to keep him out for four months, with a return date for Pope pencilled in for April 2024.
Right-Back
- Jurrien Timber
- Arsenal
- ACL injury
Jurrien Timber’s injury update confirmed he underwent surgery in August after suffering a tear to his ACL. Timber’s injury means he will likely not feature again this season, with a return at the start of 2024/25 the earliest Timber is set to return.
Centre-Back
- Micky van de Ven
- Tottenham
- Hamstring injury
Micky van de Ven’s injury update from November indicates he suffered a hamstring tear. Van de Ven’s injury means he will miss the Christmas period, with a return to first-team action set for January 2024.
"It's a big blow, we think he'll be out for roughly four months"
Eddie Howe has confirmed goalkeeper Nick Pope has picked up a long-term injury👇 pic.twitter.com/MQGMOmlhas
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 6, 2023
Centre-Back
- Tyrone Mings
- Aston Villa
- ACL injury
Tyrone Mings’ injury update confirmed he underwent surgery in August after suffering a tear to his ACL. Mings’ injury means he will not feature again this season, with a return at the start of 2024/25 the earliest Mings is set to return.
Left-Back
- Andy Robertson
- Liverpool
- Shoulder injury
Andy Robertson’s injury update from October confirmed he underwent surgery on a shoulder injury he picked up playing for Scotland. Robertson’s injury means he will miss the Christmas period, with Robertson set to return in January 2024.
Right Midfield
- James Maddison
- Tottenham
- Ankle injury
James Maddison’s injury update from November suggests he suffered an ankle/foot injury in the game against Chelsea. Maddison’s injury also means he will miss the Christmas period, with Maddison set to return in mid-January.
Centre Midfield
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Man City
- Hamstring injury
Kevin De Bruyne suffered a hamstring injury on the opening day victory over Burnley. De Bruyne’s injury required surgery and has kept him out ever since, with De Bruyne likely to return to first team action in late January 2024.
Can’t wait for Kevin De Bruyne to return from injury and Manchester City to go on a 20 game win streak pic.twitter.com/IfZPHgl9ED
— MidgCTID (@MidgDawg) December 4, 2023
Centre Midfield
- Thiago Alcantara
- Liverpool
- Hip injury
Thiago Alcantara’s injury update confirmed he underwent surgery for a long-standing hip and pelvic issue. Thiago’s injury has seen him ruled out since April and Thiago will most likely make a return in late January 2024.
Left Midfield
- Harvey Barnes
- Newcastle
- Foot injury
Harvey Barnes’ injury update suggests he suffered a foot injury in the 8-0 win over Sheffield Utd in September. Barnes’ injury has ruled him out ever since but he didn’t require surgery. Barnes’ return date is provisionally pencilled in for December 19th.
Striker
- Callum Wilson
- Newcastle
- Hamstring injury
Callum Wilson’s injury update confirmed he suffered a hamstring problem in the 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in November, with Wilson set to return in time for the hectic Christmas period. Wilson’s hamstring injury is a recurrence of previous issues.
Striker
- Ansu Fati
- Brighton
- Thigh injury
Ansu Fati’s injury update after the win over Nottingham Forest indicates he suffered a thigh problem. Fati’s injury means he has missed the last two games while Fati’s return date is not clear, but late January could be the earliest Fati is back in first team action.
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