Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast Episode 843 - Injuries
Sep 4, 2025
Dr. Andrew Mitchell, an associate professor in clinical biomechanics and an avid Arsenal supporter, dives into the intricacies of injuries in football. He discusses the recurrent issues of hamstring injuries and when players should be overruled regarding their fitness. The podcast examines the critical investments in medical technology at clubs and includes insights on ACL injuries in women's football. Mitchell also tackles the considerations for young players like 15-year-old Max Dowman and the evolution of injury prevention strategies in the sport.
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Hamstring Injuries Are Rising Rapidly
- Overall injury rates have dropped slightly, but hamstring injuries have doubled over the last decade.
- Hamstrings now form a larger share of days lost and remain the single worsening injury type in football.
Match Load And Fatigue Drive Hamstring Risk
- Increased matches, higher sprint intensity, travel and bigger athletes likely drive hamstring increases.
- Injury risk peaks in the last 15 minutes of both halves, reflecting fatigue and intensity spikes.
Nonstop Calendar Is A Player Welfare Issue
- Players play too many games and get minimal full rest, which likely harms long-term welfare.
- Football currently lacks the clear peaking cycles used in other sports and risks cumulative harm.