5 Injured Premier League Players Who Could Make a Difference
A player returning from a long-term injury can be like a new signing. With the summer transfer window long shut and January far off, rehabilitation of sidelined players can offer a solution.
Whether it is an injured star striker bringing goals, a midfielder offering creativity or a defender to galvanise a leaking defence, they can all impact on the league table.
Here we name the injured players that fans have been longing to see and those you may have forgotten about.
Read on to find out the five injured Premier League players who are yet to play a minute this season but could make a big difference when they return.
Honourable Mentions
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Kyle Walker: The Spurs right-back has been out of action for six months with an abdominal problem. Walker was an important player last season, and with Kyle Naughton picking up an injury recently and Eric Dier inexperienced in the Premier League, he could go straight back into the side.
Suso: The Liverpool attacking midfielder is suffering from a groin injury and is yet to appear in the league this season. Although not a crucial member of the first team, the 20-year-old is a bright talent and would offer another option for manager Brendan Rogers.
Leon Britton: Swansea’s midfield metronome has been out all season with a knee injury. The Swans have made an impressive start to the season, but there is no doubt that Britton would be a welcome back-up to Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-Yeung.
5. Jay Rodriguez
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In fifth place is Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez, who has been unavailable since damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in April.
The 25-year-old was top scorer for Saints last season with 15 Premier League goals. As well as game-changing strikes, Rodriguez offers tactical flexibility, and his work rate means he can also play on either flank of Southampton’s 4-3-3 formation.
So far this season Southampton have not shown signs of missing him. New signing Graziano Pelle, in particular, has hit the ground running after joining from Feyenoord.
However, Southampton currently only have three strikers available: Pelle, Shane Long and Emmanuel Mayuka, who is yet to make an appearance this season. Over the Christmas period, the games come thick and fast, and Rodriguez’s reintroduction could prove crucial to sustaining an excellent start.
4. Michael Carrick
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Beating Rodriguez to fourth position is Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, whose return could ease manager Louis van Gaal’s injury problems.
Carrick’s return from an ankle injury would be a welcome one for Van Gaal. Although the signing of Daley Blind, who has been anchoring the midfield, may appear to leave Carrick unneeded, it actually offers more options.
With Ander Herrera out injured and Marouane Fellaini and Darren Fletcher struggling for form, Carrick could provide a solution—either partnering Blind in a 4-2-3-1 or as a substitute to establish more control.
Carrick offers another defensive option. In a team that boasts an embarrassment of riches in attack but can be undermined by vulnerability at the back, he could be just what is required.
3. Silvestre Varela
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At No. 3 is Portuguese winger Silvestre Varela, who is on loan from Porto at West Bromwich Albion.
Varela is yet to make a single appearance for West Brom due to a groin injury, but he is an exciting and talented winger who has been capped 26 times for Portugal. He has played in the Europa League and featured in the 2014 World Cup for Portugal.
His signing by manager Alan Irvine probably owed much to his direct style, pace and unpredictability.
West Brom’s midfield is hard working and combative but lacks flair and natural width.
Varela could provide something different in attack—an edge that is lacking from the current nominal wide players Chris Brunt and Graham Dorrans.
2. Ross Barkley
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In second place is Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, who is yet to feature this season due to a knee injury.
Barkley registered six goals and four assists as he broke into the Toffees and England squad last season. He brought a refreshing ambition and drive to the midfield which has been sorely missed so far this campaign.
Everton are currently 17th in the Premier League and have only managed one win. Although it is their defence that has been particularly culpable for their poor start, they have also missed Barkley’s dynamism and energy.
There is no doubt that with the 20-year-old available, Everton are a better side. Manager Roberto Martinez will be hoping he makes a swift recovery as they look to climb the league table and compete in Europe.
1. Sam Vokes
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In first place is Burnley striker Sam Vokes, who is also a long-term absentee with a knee injury.
In the Championship last season, target man Vokes formed a prolific strike partnership with Danny Ings to contribute 47 goals and help Burnley secure promotion.
So far this season, however, replacement forwards Lukas Jutkiewicz, Ashley Barnes and Marvin Sordell have struggled with the increased quality of defences. The newly promoted side have managed just three goals in seven games and are in 19th position.
Without a serious improvement in front of goal, they will be relegated.
Burnley’s survival hinges on the Vokes and Ings partnership. If they can be reunited up front, then perhaps the Lancashire club with a tiny budget can avoid the drop.
