10 Most Significant Injuries of the Premier League Season so Far

With the Premier League almost a quarter of the way through, the league is starting to settle down and onlookers are starting to figure whereabouts most sides will be finishing come May.

However, some sides have suffered this term with injury problems to certain players. Here's a look at the 10 most significant injuries of the Premier League season so far:

Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal)

Since re-signing with the Gunners in August after a spell in Italy with AC Milan, the French midfielder has quickly reasserted himself at the heart of Arsenal's midfield and offered Arsene Wenger's side something they've long been missing: bite.

The artisan accompanying the artists, Flamini has shown tenacity and a destructive nature that have been the perfect foil for Wenger's impressive array of attacking talent. He has allowed them to weave their intricate patterns while shutting down opponents in front of the back four.

He missed the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund after suffering a concussion and Arsenal certainly missed him. Now, having picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Crystal Palace, they head into a tough run of fixtures without the 29-year-old and even one or two poor showings/results could really affect momentum.

Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

While Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla are excellent ballplayers who have been in good form for the Gunners this season, there's no doubt that they miss the pace and width afforded to them by Theo Walcott.

While they've been working their way through the Premier League chalking up wins, it's not been so noticeable, but in the Champions League loss to Dortmund you could see that they missed Walcott.

The good news for Arsenal fans is that the England winger will be ready to return soon, and whatever you think about him as a footballer, he'll offer the league leaders something extra upon his return.

Jores Okore (Aston Villa)

The powerful Dane appeared to be a shrewd signing when Paul Lambert picked up the defender from Nordsjaelland in the summer. After missing the opening win at Arsenal, he was quickly restored to Villa's starting XI. 

Quick and strong, Okore impressed in the harsh 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and his partnership with skipper Ron Vlaar looked set to blossom. However, a ruptured cruciate ligament injury picked up on September 14 brought his season to a premature end.

Marco van Ginkel (Chelsea)

The Dutch midfielder had begun acclimatising to life at Stamford Bridge well before picking up a season-ending knee injury in the Capital One Cup tie at Swindon.

Making the step up from Vitesse Arnhem and the Eredivisie, the tenacious youngster did well in preseason and the 20-year-old started two of the Blues' opening three Premier League matches with his versatility looking as though it would help him grow into a key role.

The injury will be a real test of character for the young Dutchman and how he recovers from the first major setback of his career may tell a lot about how big a future he'll have at Stamford Bridge.

Darron Gibson (Everton)

Since arriving at Goodison Park, Darron Gibson has proven himself a capable performer. Under David Moyes his sole function was to sit in midfield and recycle the ball into wide positions quickly, and it was something he proved extremely adept at with his good passing range and composure.

The Ireland international missed the early part of the season with an injury and, having picked up a knee injury on international duty this month, is now out for (likely) the remainder of the season.

Fortunately Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has Gareth Barry and James McCarthy for his central midfield engine room, but Gibson would have been a solid option to rely upon.

Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

The magical little Brazilian has had quite the impact at Anfield since arriving in January, with his own personal hocus-pocus bewitching the crowds.

The 21-year-old has flitted between a No. 10 position and drifting in from the left wing and his link-up with Daniel Sturridge in particular has been somewhat joyous.

Now, with Brendan Rodgers having reverted to something like a 3-4-1-2 formation and Sturridge and Suarez thriving as a partnership, there's a space for Coutinho's beguiling qualities to play behind the Reds front two. Something to look forward to when he returns from his dislocated shoulder.

Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

The Manchester City captain has been in and out of the lineup this season with groin and hamstring problems, and the Citizens defence quite simply doesn't look as intimidatingly solid when the Belgian star is absent.

Strong, intelligent and a genuine leader amongst men, the 27-year-old is perhaps the Premier League's best centre-back. No side can deal without losing such a player and Manuel Pellegrini needs him fully fit for a sustained period if they're to challenge for honours.

Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)

After an outstanding season on loan at Sunderland in 2012-13, Danny Rose returned to White Hart Lane this summer and quickly saw off Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the race to be Spurs' first-choice left-back.

And the 23-year-old begun the season in fine form, adding drive and width to Spurs' attacks while also doing his bit as they kept five clean sheets in his six appearances.

The ankle problem he picked up against Tromso has left Andre Villas-Boas putting square pegs in round holes at left-back—Kyle Naughton and Jan Vertonghen—and Rose will add an extra something to the Lilywhites when he returns.

Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion)

The England international was in outstanding form for the Baggies last season as they finished eighth in the Premier League table, but unfortunately for Steve Clarke, Foster fractured his foot in their second game of the season this term.

While Boaz Myhill has proven himself a more than able deputy, he isn't as good a shot-stopper as the 30-year-old former Manchester United and Birmingham City man whose kicking ability is also somewhat underrated. His return will strengthen the Albion back line.

Andy Carroll (West Ham United)

No two ways about it: West Ham are struggling in front of goal. Sam Allardyce's outfit are extremely well-organised and have conceded just eight goals in nine matches—no one outside the top five has conceded less. However, they've only scored eight goals and that lack of finishing prowess sees them stuck in 15th position.

As such, the injured Andy Carroll, a £15 million summer signing, has been a major miss. Allardyce's summer plans made the England striker a focal point and he effectively put all his eggs in his Geordie basket. So far, it hasn't paid off.

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