Pedri out: Europe is experiencing an injury season!

For all intents and purposes, the 2023-2024 club football season was anticipated in grand style, with Premier League clubs attempting to break free from the shackles of Manchester City dominance, Barcelona attempting to reclaim their place, Juventus attempting to turn around an unfortunate saga, and Bayern betting they will not sleep again, among many others.

Fans anticipated for a taste of rich football with unexpected transfers here and there.

However, one issue has been circulating: injuries. It’s common for football players to be injured, but it’s becoming concerning at this point because the season is just three weeks old. Clubs are currently losing big players to hospital beds. It’s been Pedri Gonzalez of Barcelona FC lately.

Meanwhile, consider the clubs that have been without players for weeks or months despite having played a game or two during the preseason tour and the regular season.

The Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao both suffered ACL injuries that will keep them out for up to six months, dealing a major blow to Real Madrid. Arda Guler, a fresh acquisition and prospect, has yet to play a minute of professional football for the Los Blancos.

Barcelona

Barcelona will be missing Ronald Araujo and Pedri Gonzalez for around a month due to knee problems. Athletico Bilbao’s new addition Inigo Martinez is also on the field right now.

Chelsea

The ‘hospital beds are full’ in Chelsea. Christopher Nkunku demonstrated value on the preseason trip but has yet to appear on the field this season. Reece James was injured last season and has started another one this season.

Carney Chukwuemeka scored against West Ham last Saturday, but limped out before the game was through. They join Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, Benoit Bardashilie, and others on Chelsea’s expanding injured list.

Arsenal

Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal missed the first half of last season due to injury and has had a similar fate this season. Jurien Timber, a new recruit, departed the field with an ACL injury in the first game against Nottingham Forest and will be out for up to four months.

City of Manchester

Even if indications indicated that Dé Bruyne was not fit to play, the Belgian veteran’s injury in the first match of the season is concerning. John Stones, who suffered a hip injury during the club’s pre-season tour, will also be out until after the international break.

Aston Villa Football Club

Aston Villa are currently a team capable of posing a significant challenge to any team. However, they have suffered injuries to Tyron Mings, Emiliano Buendia, Philippe Coutinho, and Jacob Ramsey.

United Manchester

Rasmond Hojlund and Mason Mount will have to wait for Manchester United. While the former has yet to appear for the Red Devils, the latter has underperformed when given the opportunity, and the club will wait to see their £60 million player in action. They were joined on the bench by Kobbie Mainoo, who played against Arsenal on the club’s pre-season tour.

Tottenham

Tottenham expanded their roster by signing James Maddison from Leicester City, but it’s unclear whether the Englishman will play this weekend after being photographed leaving the stadium on crutches last week. Tanguy Ndombele has also been out this season after suffering an injury during the club’s preseason tour.

Bayern Munich

Serg Gnabry and Jamal Musiala are both sidelined due to hamstring and hip ailments, respectively. Injuries are also a concern for veteran Thomas Muller.

Other injury concerns include Brighton and Hove Albion’s Julio Enciso and Everton’s Alex Iwobi.

It is, indeed, an injury-plagued season, and only time will tell if these ailments will have an impact on these clubs’ performances.