Obviously, the 2023-2024 season isn’t going as planned for many clubs in Europe’s top-5 leagues. They keep battling with ACL injury here and there at the beginning of the season.
Of course, some football fans despise this type of injury. Because it usually keeps the players on the sidelines for many months, making them unavailable.
Every top club in Europe’s top-5 leagues dreams of going far in all competitions this campaign. However, an ACL injury has shortened their expectations in the 2023-2024 season.
Nevertheless, many clubs are back in the summer transfer window. They want to do everything to sign replacements, so as to be able to balance their squad.
ACL injury is literally synonym for knee injury. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always look great on the players. Sometimes, these players return from injury with poor displays.
What is an ACL injury?
Literally, ACL simply means “anterior cruciate ligament”. Actually, It is some kind of tissue in a knee, stopping the shinbone from twisting inward.
In all fairness, the ACL is very severe and hurtful. It always doesn’t look good on the players. They usually make a sudden scream while holding their knees on the pitch.
This type of injury is way different from other kinds of injuries. It usually takes several months to fully recover, sometimes it does take more than 8 months.
In the world of football, the ACL normally requires surgery. Unfortunately, players do lose their sharpness on the pitch after recovering from the injury.
Who are the 5 players who sustained ACL injury in the last few months?Â
Of course, football clubs are usually frustrated with this kind of injury. Because those players involved barely make 20 appearances in all competitions.
1. Jurrien Timber – ArsenalÂ
The Gunners are currently frustrated with the Dutchman’s injury. Obviously, the player joined the Premier League side this summer transfer window.
Despite the fact that he played against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield final. However, he’s currently on the sidelines as a result of an injury.
Jurrien Timber sustained an injury during his EPL debut against Nottingham Forest. And he’s now most likely to spend 7 weeks on the sidelines this season.
Nevertheless, Arsenal have been searching for his replacement. They have been linked to some centre-backs, wanting to balance their defense line this summer.
2. Wesley Fofana – ChelseaÂ
The Frenchman’s injury record at Chelsea is seriously getting out of hand. Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, he hasn’t played a full season without an injury.
Of course, Mauricio Pochettino appreciates Wesley Fofana’s defensive skills. And he planned to play him back-to-back this campaign.
However, the Frenchman damaged his knee during pre-season training. As a result, he couldn’t finish the club’s pre-season tour in the United States of America.
Therefore, Chelsea were forced to sign Axel Disasi from Monaco. Unfortunately, Wesley Fofana may not play any competitive matches for the Blues this year.
3. Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
Frankly, the 2023-2024 isn’t going as planned for Los Blancos in La Liga. They would have to do without the Belgian goalkeeper for the rest of 2023, in all competitions.
Thibaut Courtois picked up an ACL injury during training. As a result, he missed the club’s La Liga opening. Interestingly, the team was able to claim 3 points.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. They secured the Spanish goalie as Courtois replacement this season.
The Belgian goalkeeper already had a successful surgery. And he will be unavailable for many weeks. However, the club’s has Kepa Arrizabalaga on goal.
4. Eder Militao – Real Madrid
The Brazilian centre-back ruptured his ligaments against Atletico Bilbao. It happened while attempting to win the ball back at the back.
It seemed he literally miscalculated his movements. As a result, Eder Militao sustained an ACL injury in his attempt to protect the defense line.
Actually, Real Madrid aren’t planning to sign his replacement this summer transfer window. They already have enough centre-backs in the squad.
Of course, Antonio Rüdiger will play back-to-back games in his absence. He’s most likely to take on the defense line along with David Alaba.
5. Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian didn’t actually start the 2023-2024 season nicely at Aston Villa. He sustained an ACL injury against Everton on Saturday in the Premier League.
Frankly, Philippe Coutinho was very impressive against the Toffees. However, he was subbed off after 85 minutes as a result of this particular injury.
His injury won’t sit well with Barcelona. Of course, the Bluagranas have a 50% sell-on clause on his contract, because he was linked with Saudi Arabian clubs this summer.
Coutinho has been struggling since he left Liverpool. Unfortunately, he is set to continue his injury woes at Aston Villa this season, having sustained an ACL.