More and more professional football players are suffering from serious injuries, both men and women.
In recent years, well-known names such as Virgil van Dijk (ex-FC Groningen) and Vivianne Miedema (from Hoogeveen) have recuperated for a year or more after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament. According to new research from UEFA, a professional women’s team now suffers 35 injuries per season, more than one per player.
Swedish research previously showed that the number of injuries among men increases significantly as the season progresses: more minutes, more matches and fewer rest periods all lead to a higher number of (serious) injuries.
And this while the playing schedule for many clubs is becoming increasingly busy. With a third European competition (the Conference League) and more international competitions, the risk of injuries is increasing for both men and women.
Should the KNVB therefore set a maximum number of matches for players? Or is this the responsibility of the club and the player himself? Let us know your opinion by responding to the statement of the day.