Enzo Maresca and his backroom team will be keen to tackle a significant problem that cost a whopping £30million last season. After a period of heavy spending, underperformance and often outright humiliation since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took the reins in 2022, the Blues are showing signs of turning things around.
Going into the international break, Maresca's squad sat fourth in the Premier League, just four points adrift of Sunday's opponents and early frontrunners Liverpool. To maintain a credible Champions League challenge, Maresca will be eager to dodge the injury issues that plagued the club both on and off the pitch in 2023/24.
According to the Men's European Football Injury Index, compiled by global insurance intermediary group Howden, Chelsea had the highest average cost in the Premier League £540,000 per injury and the second-highest overall cost at £30.22m. The cost is determined by multiplying the daily base salary of the injured player by the number of days they were sidelined due to injury.
bore the biggest brunt of any Premier League team for injuries, with costs totalling £39.81million. The report revealed that Erik ten Hag's side endured 75 instances of injury throughout the campaign, second only to Newcastle with 76.
Champions suffered 57 injuries, costing them £27m. The Premier League shouldered a staggering 44% of injury costs among Europe's top five leagues, with its clubs' hefty salaries driving the English division's injury expenses to £265.8m out of a total £610.2m.
That marked a 5% surge from the 2022/23 figures, while injuries across these leagues increased by 4%, totalling 4,123 cases. Chelsea, in particular, have been grappling with injury woes, consistently recording above-average numbers for the past four seasons. The club will want to address the problem as they look to keep pace with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and City.
James Burrows, the head of sport at Howden, highlighted the growing physical strain on footballers, saying: "As fixture congestion intensifies with expanded competitions domestically and internationally, we are seeing more players sidelined for longer periods, with a notable five per cent rise in injury costs this season alone.
"Our data captures the demands of modern football and we hope it serves as a valuable tool for players, clubs and governing bodies in their ongoing discussions."
Chelsea have availability issues ahead of Sunday's trip to Anfield, with Reece James still out of action - although the defender has returned to training - while Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are both suspended.
You may also like
Saudi Arabia busts drug smuggling network: 21 arrested, including 16 ministry employees
FSG chief speaks out on rumours Liverpool owners are 'considering' record takeover bid
Water level in Mettur Dam rises as heavy rains lash catchment areas
AAP Launches 'Jan Sampark' Campaign to Engage Delhi Voters Ahead of Assembly Elections
England chief aims subtle dig at Thomas Tuchel critics after backlash from ex-players
Nagaland Lottery Sambad Result Today LIVE 6 PM (16-10-2024); Dear Cupid Wednesday
'Everything's gone,' says mum-of-two living in Travelodge after blaze destroyed home
Legendary musician sends foul-mouthed message to crowd for 'filming all night'
No, This Video Doesn't Show Car Burning on Malad East Highway in Mumbai
India Legend Joins Ab de Villiers, Alastair Cook As Three New Names Added To ICC Hall Of Fame
Fitness influencer shares two snaps to show 'side people don't want you to see'
IIM Indore and Emeritus Launch Executive Programme in Business Management
Kerala Lottery Result: October 16, 2024 - Fifty-Fifty FF 113 Live! Wednesday's Draw Reveals Winners Of ₹1 Crore Jackpot!
Yellow weather warnings blanket UK as powerful winds trigger 'danger to life' alert
Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar inaugurate Cauvery 5th Stage Project
Who do you want to see on I'm A Celebrity this year? Take our poll and have your say
Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti's Documentary 'Turtle Walker' to Premiere Internationally
L&T Technology Services Q2FY25 Results: Revenue Hits ₹2,637.9 Crore, Declares Interim Dividend Of ₹17
GCCs continue robust leasing momentum as Indian office sector eyes new record in 2024
Met Office issues 32-hour warning as UK to be hit by 80mph wind