This Weekend’s All Injured Eleven

By Brian Lofrumento | 18th September 2009

This Weekend's All Injured Eleven | read this item

luka-modric This weekend’s Premiership fixtures promise to be exciting clashes between some of the world’s top talents. Sadly, though, for some fans the weekend will be about coping with injuries. Some of the Premier League’s biggest players have been injured in recent weeks, and just to show the talent that is missing out, here are eleven players that every football fan should look forward to see return in the coming weeks:

Manuel Almunia (GK)

Arsenal’s number one is suffering from an unfortunate chest infection and isn’t expected to be fit for Arsenal’s match against Wigan this weekend. The Spaniard missed the Gunners’ midweek Champions League clash against Standard Liege, and with backup Lukas Fabianski also injured it will be up to youngster Vito Mannone to prove himself.

Curtis Davies (D)

This Aston Villa defender is out on a long term injury, and there is no sign as to when he’ll return. Villa has looked less than inspiring this term but have managed to pick up some wins, and when Davies finally recovers from his dislocated shoulder it will only help matters.

Rafael (D)

One of the most exciting talents of last season was Manchester United defender Rafael. The teenage Brazilian scored a cracker of a goal against Arsenal during United’s loss at the Emirates last season, and his attacking displays complemented his defensive duties quite well in his debut season. With Gary Neville getting up there in mileage, it’s only a matter of time before Rafael stakes his claim in United’s back four.

Phil Jagielka (D)

Everton’s dismal start to the season has been blamed largely on poor defensive performances, and it’s no coincidence that their fall has mirrored Jagielka’s injury. The defender was part of a successful partnership with Joleon Lescott and Joseph Yobo last season, and in his absence the Toffees have signed Australian international Lucas Neill.

Vincent Kompany (D)

Manchester City have bulked up at the back, and lucky for Kompany he is more than capable of also playing in the midfield. He’ll face stiff competition when he returns from injury, but the potential is definitely there. Kompany is regarded as extremely doubtful for this Sunday’s Manchester derby, but he will still have a place in this season’s City squad.

Samir Nasri (M)

Arsenal may have started the season off well, but they’ve done so without star midfielder Samir Nasri. The French international will be out of action until mid-October, and his presence is sorely missed in the Arsenal lineup. Nasri combines finesse with finishing, and his inclusion in the squad would desperately have helped the Gunners’ cause against Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta (M)

It’s sad, but it’s beginning to feel as if Everton’s shining star is constantly out of action. Arteta will be out of action until December with an ACL injury, and just like Jagielka it’s no surprise that the Toffees have been struggling without this midfielder’s presence. Even worse for the talented winger is that he will probably be overlooked once again for a spot in the Spanish World Cup squad.

Luka Modric (M)

Perhaps one of the most discussed injuries as of late, Modric’s injury coincided with Tottenham losing their 100% record. The Croatian midfielder was on fire this season, contributing to Spurs’ best start to a season in the club’s Premier League history. Luckily for him, even though he broke his leg he is expected to return to Premiership action next month, and Tottenham fans will be counting down the days.

Owen Hargreaves (M)

The forgotten man at Old Trafford is nearing a comeback. Hargreaves spent his summer in the United States to see a reknowned knee specialist, and now that he is back in Manchester he should be looking to return to action by the end of October. Without Hargreaves United has lacked bite in the midfield, and were it not for the resurgence of Darren Fletcher then the Red Devils could be in serious trouble.

Stewart Downing (M)

When Middlesbrough got relegated it was obvious that this England international would leave the Riverside, and Aston Villa took a gamble on him regardless of his fitness. Downing will be out of action until December at the earliest, and when he returns he should form an exciting combination with fellow English stars Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Robinho (F)

Robinho rounds out this all injured eleven, and what a team it is. Manchester City’s Brazilian sensation has missed the start of City’s season, and just think of the goals he could have scored during the club’s current run. Robinho scored 14 league goals for the Citizens last season, and with fellow strikers Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz, and Emmanuel Adebayor all set to miss the Manchester derby, Mark Hughes could have really used the former Real Madrid man.

Is this eleven strong enough to challenge for a title? Have your say below!

Reader Comments

The below views are those of our readers and do not reflect the opinions of Premiership Talk or its employees.

Thomas O'Loughlin says:

September 18, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Very good team there actually, maybe someone should invent injured players fantasy football.

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