When was the last time a player of ours missed a game through injury? Other than Jordan Williams, there's barely been any all season, or am I just forgetting things?
Halme, missed Wednesday against Derby, and half the season. Woodrow, missed a couple Ben Williams, missed all season
I'd love to compare the level of injuries this season to seasons past. I remember, it was either this pre-season or last pre-season, that there was an interview that said the coaching staff were working the players harder on their fitness levels than any of them had ever seen, and it looks like it's now paying off in spades. Not only in respect to actual injuries, but the sometimes mind-blowing levels of stamina the players are showing during a game. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen opposition fans on their forums or commentators saying there is no way the players can keep up the levels of pressing for 90 minutes, only for them to still be chasing every pass until the final whistle! n.b. I also understand that the ability to name 9 subs and make 5 changes helps keep up the intensity of the press...
There’s been a few longer term ones like both Williams, Kitching & Halme but we’re doing really well at avoiding little niggles & pulls keeping players out a few weeks at a time. Credit goes to our medical team for that as without the options off the bench I’m sure plenty of these wins would’ve been draws or even worse
Having the opportunity to name 9 subs and use 5 of them is only half the story. You have to use them sensibly. Injuries are more likely to occur when a player is fatigued. At the first sign of that Val brings them off. I doubt I'd be exaggerating if I said we're using the options available to us better than most other clubs.
