Martinez, Antonio, Saka: Most Devastating Injuries in EPL 2024/25 Season

One certain situation in football is players getting various forms of injuries and the 2024/25 Premier League season has been damaged by significant injuries to key players across various teams, impacting both individual careers and club performances. This piece is set to explore seven footballers who have suffered serious injuries this season, detailing how they occurred, and the subsequent effects on their respective teams.

Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United) – Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

And just to make matters more unbearable for a struggling Manchester United team, Lisandro Martinez who has been a beacon of hope in the defense got injured during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace on February 2, 2025. Martinez suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury following a challenge on Palace forward Ismaila Sarr. He was stretchered off the field, and subsequent assessments confirmed the severity of the injury.

Martinez is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, potentially missing the remainder of the season and beyond, depending on his recovery process. Manchester United, already grappling with injuries to players like Mason Mount and Luke Shaw, faces a defensive crisis. Martinez’s absence leaves a significant void in the defense, challenging manager Ruben Amorim to find suitable replacements as the team struggles in the league standings.

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Michail Antonio (West Ham United) – Broken Leg from Car Accident

Perhaps the most devastating injury of the season. In December 2024, striker Michail Antonio suffered a broken leg in a severe car accident. He underwent surgery and was hospitalized before being discharged prior to Christmas. Antonio is currently in rehabilitation, with his return date uncertain. He has traveled to Dubai for an intensive recovery program, aiming to regain fitness.

With Antonio injury, West Ham United, already dealing with injuries to other key forwards like Niclas Fullkrug and captain Jarrod Bowen, faces a significant challenge in maintaining offensive position. Antonio’s absence increases the team’s injury problems, impacting new manager Graham Potter’s efforts to stabilize their already shaky season.

Reece James (Chelsea) – Recurring Hamstring Injuries

We cannot finish discussing players with the most devastating injuries without speaking about Chelsea’s captain Reece James. He has faced series of hamstring injuries since the start of the season. After an initial injury early in the season, he suffered a recurrence in November 2024, leading to surgery in December. He returned to play in January 2025 but has continued to struggle with match fitness issues.

James has missed significant portions of the season, including the first three games due to suspension and additional matches due to injury setbacks. Chelsea has felt the absence of their captain, particularly in defense. Manager Enzo Maresca has publicly called for greater leadership from James, highlighting the challenges the team faces without his presence on the field.

Rodri (Manchester City) – Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Another ACL injury to be recorded in the Premier League this season is that of Manchester City midfielder, Rodri occurred during a match against Arsenal on September 22, 2024. The injury occurred following a collision with Thomas Partey, leading to Rodri limping off the field. Rodri has been ruled out for the remainder of the season following surgery.

Moreover, manager Pep Guardiola described Rodri as “irreplaceable,” emphasizing his crucial role in the team’s midfield. His absence poses a significant challenge for Manchester City as they aim to defend their Premier League title.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – Hamstring Injury

Just when Arsenal are having moments of exceptional football performances, one of their wingers and creative heartbeat, Bukayo Saka sustained a hamstring injury during a match against Crystal Palace on December 21, 2024. Saka has missed multiple games since the injury, with his return date yet to be confirmed. Arsenal relies heavily on Saka’s creativity and goal-scoring abilities. His absence has forced manager Mikel Arteta to adjust the team’s attacking strategies, potentially affecting their performance in both domestic and European competitions.

Orel Mangala (Everton) – Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Everton’s midfielder Orel Mangala who is on loan from Olympique Lyonnais, sustained an ACL injury during a match against Brighton & Hove Albion in late January 2025. Due to his injury, Mangala has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Everton, under new manager David Moyes, faces a challenging relegation battle. Mangala’s injury has reduced midfield options for Moyes, compounding issues as striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin also contends with a hamstring injury.

Radu Dragusin (Tottenham Hotspur) – Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

The most recent of such heartbreaking injuries to happen this season is that of Tottenham Hotspur’ defender, Radu Dragusin suffered an ACL injury during a Europa League match against Elfsborg on January 30, 2025. The injury occurred when he landed awkwardly after attempting a clearance in the second half.

Dragusin is set to undergo surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive problems got increased with Dragusin’s injury, as key centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are already sidelined. The team, currently 14th in the Premier League, faces a significant challenge in building up their defense amidst an ongoing injury crisis.

Conclusion

Well, it is an impossibility for players or clubs to be non-affected by injuries. These injuries have not only sidelined key players but have also compelled their respective teams to adapt tactically and strategically, often with mixed results. The absence of such pivotal figures further explains the unforseen and unpredictable nature of football and the challenges teams face in maintaining form amidst injury problems.