Apparently this is up from 15.5 season average since 2012/13. Now 37 by Jan 25 is a large spike and it could be argued that the lack of investment in the Summer is to blame. Now I don’t want to turn this into a Sammy v John cunt off where one denounces signings and the other blames Levy but I’d love to hear what others think.
Now whilst I think it’s fair to argue that because of the lack of preseason, rest and recuperation for some of our squad because of the WC that it’s had an effect on fatigue and injuries, but can we really attribute it to not signing players? It may have had some impact but enough to see it spike to what could be 50+ injuries by May? I just can’t see how 2-3 signings could have prevented that entirely. Maybe it could have reduced it a bit but not totally.
Mousa who sat on Belgium’s bench a lot has hindered CM rotations, as has not having Big Vic, and neither exerted themselves too much in the summer, so not purely down to the WC either imo.
Now, the one thing I will say is that I’m proud of the lads so far. To reach a SF, CL knockouts and sit comfortably inside the top 4 whilst seeing players regularly checking into the hospital ward is bloody admirable imo, it’s a testament to the coaching of Mauricio, and the hard steely resolve he’s instilled in the squad. A testament to the players for never giving in and always fighting on.
Usually losing to that filth annoys the utter shit out of me for days, but last night I was proud of their resolve and refusal to give in.
Truly laughable that social media/forum/pundit flogs throw up the bottled it argument and question Pochettino’s credentials after that game.
We could have done with a signing or two in the summer, even if just depth, but it being the root of our woes, and Levy being public enemy no.1 is a tad unfair, something else is clearly at play that has seen our injury attrition rate spike massively. Agree with the gaffer, this will make us stronger, hopefully a watershed moment for this group. The football gods are trying to break us but they refuse to give in.
COYS!