ACL epidemic? Why we are seeing so many footballers with serious knee injuries

Over the past few weeks of preseason training and into the first week of domestic competitions in Europe, we have seen a litany of devastating knee injuries to superstars all over the continent. Let’s take a look at who’s been affected and what it could mean.

The Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao would have been expecting to once again be fighting on all fronts as part of one of the best teams in Europe. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, he faces months of rehab as he tore his ACL playing against Athletic Bilbao and has undergone surgery.

Another key cog in Madrid’s defensive unit, Thibaut Courtois has also ruptured his ACL. This time the injury occurred in training where the Belgian was seen leaving in tears.

Another defender who has seen their 2023/24 season ruined is Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana. Fofana was signed a year ago for a reported £75 million and has a disrupted 22/23 season with injuries. This was seen as his chance to cement his starting position, but unfortunately for the Frenchman, his season is over before it began.

Timber was signed by Arsenal as part of their early transfer-window business and was seen as a key part of the squad as the Gunners look to push for titles this season. The Dutchman barely lasted a half in the Premier League before injuring his ACL, the extent of the injury is unknown but he is certainly set for a lengthy spell on the sideline.

Aston Villa started the Premier League season with a tough away fixture at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park. This fixture saw them not only lose 5-1 but also has left them without starting centre-back Tyrone Mings who has reportedly also torn his ACL.

The season has got off to the worst possible start for Aston Villa as Mings was actually their second player to rupture their ACL within the space of a week. Creative midfielder Emi Beundia was the first after suffering an injury in training that could leave him requiring surgery.

Chelsea’s first signing of the summer, Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig was another that saw his debut season interrupted by a significant knee injury. Again the exact injury is unknown but he is not expected to return until at least December.

ACL injuries are an unfortunately common part of sports at all levels, but especially at the elite level. Sudden sideways movements are often the cause, with players ‘hyperextending’ their knees, tearing the ACL.

This summer has seen a shocking number of ACL injuries, with some speculating the intensity of the 22/23 season, including a mid-season World Cup, and the cramming of fixtures around the event in Qatar as a possible cause. Overuse of any muscle or ligament can weaken them. There is also an element of bad luck, which is an unavoidable aspect of any injury.