Injury News – Liverpool Duo Hit, Hazard Worst Than Thought & More
International duties on players have a way of striking fearing in the heart of clubs whenever players are called for. It is always a moment when club sides break sweats and hope their most prized assets return safe and sound.
Mesut Ozil’s knee injury has already left Arsenal sweaty and disturbed. The Gunners are forced to looking for an alternative in Shalke ‘04’s wonder kid, Julian Draxler, to replace the German international that is currently out of action for two months and half or more. If you believe the media reports to that effect thats.
While the news might be difficult for Wenger and Arsenal fans to digest, players participating in several international games for their respective countries, particularly the big names are susceptible to injury as much is expected of them.
Liverpool’s hope of a difficult start turn-around may as well be shattered following 20-year-old Serbian international, Lazar Markovic’s report of having torn a muscle in a frustrating 1-1 draw with Armenia. He was largely ineffective in the 25 minutes he played before being substituted.
Initial reports have it that Markovic may be out for 2-3 weeks, but could be longer if there is a tear involved. With Liverpool missing a number of defenders to injury and Emre Can battling fitness, a majestic turn-around may not be as realistic as expected.
Dejan Lovren sustained a tear in his abdominal abdominal wall during Crotia training last Thursday, and has since returned to the club. Mamadou Sakho sidelined, while Lovren is expected to be out for 2-4 weeks, leaving The Reds with just two central defenders; Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure.
Liverpool have had terrible luck in the recent international breaks, with Joe Allen and Emre and Daniel Sturridge, all injured last month while spending time with their nations. The injury of Sturridge in particular has proven costly, with Brendan Rodgers complaining publicly that England’s training routines were to blame for the strikers thigh injury; an allegation denied by England manager, Roy Hodgson.
Chelsea have also been forced to taste of the injury grape as Eden Hazard’s toe injury is reported to have grown worse than initially expected. His toe was reported to have turned blue and it could affect his availability for The Blues’ upcoming Premier League trip to Crystal Palace. Hazard’s withdrawal from the Belgian camp is an indication that his condition is somewhat serious despite Belgium coach, Marc Wilmots’ claims that Hazard (toe) is almost 100 percent.
Current World’s best player, Cristiano Ronaldo is also rumoured to be battling with injury after a disappointing display against France. Ronaldo barely threatened in the game and was seen applying ice blocks on his knee after being substituted. He was however swift to deny being injured while speaking to the press. “I am not injured. I only applied ice to my knee because it is normal that (we) players apply it after a game. I’m perfectly fine and I’m at my best. I am not injured at all” was his response.
While the injury boat continues to rock clubs, both small and great; club coaches continue to hope that their players return from international breaks in one piece.