As the start of the Premier League season nears, all managers and physiotherapists’ eyes will be fixed on their players due to return from injury, to recover from any ailments after the UEFA European Championship 2016.
The Premier League this year may see its most competitive season, with so few places up for grabs in the Champion’s League and so many teams under pressure to regain their places amongst the top flights of English football. Here are some of players you’ll need to keep an eye on this season.
Jack Wilshire
Wilshire played just 141 minutes in the premier league prior to being selected in the Euro 2016 England squad. Arsène Wenger is hopeful that Wilshire will be fit by the start of September. The French manager did acknowledge that he will not be fully fit at the start of the season after being sent home from the Gunners visit to America when suffering a knee injury.
Chris Smalling
Jose Mourinho believes the England and Manchester United centre half is ‘fine now’, however Smalling did not feature in the FA Community Shield team on Sunday. Smalling will want to show his fitness as soon as possible after a strong performance from Eric Bailly, and reaffirm his place alongside the new signing.
Luke Shaw
It’s fantastic to see Luke Shaw flying down the united wing once again after his horrific double leg break in 2015 against PSV Eindhoven. The left wing back looks to be at full fitness with a strong performance in the Community Shield however he will be cautious in those 50/50 challenges, mindful of his injury causing him to miss the entirety of the rest of the 2015/16 premier league season.
Vincent Kompany
The Belgian captain is due to miss the start of the premier league after a long rehabilitation period following an injury last season in the Champion’s League semi-final defeat against Real Madrid. Kompany has undergone groin and thigh surgery at the end of last season and may return in September.
Jan Vertonghen
The 29-year-old defender will miss the start of the season due to an ankle injury he suffered during the Euros. Vertonghen will be sorely missed by Mauricio Pochettino, especially in the opening games of the season when Spurs take on Everton and Liverpool.
Daniel Sturridge
Jürgen Klopp faces a worrying start to the season without Daniel Sturridge as striker. Sturridge has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons and will miss the start of the Premier League due to a hip injury that has once again affected his pre-season preparation. Klopp believes the striker is on his way back to fitness, however the Reds manager is in the dark as to when he will make his first appearance in the 2016/2017 season.
Gabriel Paulista
Arsenal may need to sign a new central defender after a Gabriel suffered ankle ligament damage during Arsenals 3-2 win over Guardiola's Manchester City. The Brazilian may be side-lined for quite a while however speculation is already emerging and a potential last minute deal could be on the to do list for Arsene Wenger.