By Tony Ngare
Football is a man’s game. No, I don’t mean women shouldn’t watch or play it. Its man’s game as far as the contact while playing is concerned. However, there are a number of players who appear perennially injury prone.
I’m not too sure some would not somehow suffer a devastating injury simply by batting an eye.
Some medics are convinced that when a player suffers a ‘major’ injury their body compensates for the injury by putting additional stress on the rest of the body, which in turn leads to over-reliance on other body parts, weakening them and leading to other injuries seemingly unrelated to the initial one.
Who remembers Harry Kewell? He was signed by Liverpool with much fanfare and flattery words were used to describe his capabilities. At the point when he joined Liverpool, even Arsenal had been a suitor as well. Of course the Gunners later came up with a sly explanation as to why he signed for Liverpool rather than Arsenal. He would be content to play at a team that was not in the middle of a duopoly struggle with Manchester United.
Despite being given the venerated number seven jersey previously won by such iconic figures like Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish, Kewell was far from impressive even when he could manage to play at least three matches consecutively.
Large-scale war
Another player who has continually flirted with injury is Louis Saha. To sign him from Fulham, Manchester United nearly waged a large-scale war against the cottagers. Even Saha himself threatened to go on strike to ensure he moved to the Red Devils. However, as soon as the dust had settled Saha’s vulnerability to injuries became apparent. Instead of a glorious footballing career that he had hoped to achieve at Old Trafford, Saha became more acquainted to the bench.
Even when he was fit he could no longer regain his position due to competitiveness at Old Trafford. It was time to move on, and moving he did. His next destination was at Everton. After starting brightly, the Frenchman soon suffered another bout of his frequent injuries. This time round he was so determined to maintain his integrity and favour with the Everton faithful that he afforded to take half pay as long as he was injured.
The other guy who has minted millions while still on treatment table is Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky. Do you even remember how he looked like? Rosicky looked promising when he arrived but the Czech Republic skipper has spent over one year out injured. I wonder whether he could miraculously injure his hand as he reaches for his wallet. There are Gooners who remain convinced that had Rosicky been on the pitch for the better part of the last two seasons, Arsenal’s prospects would have been different. The Arsenal management has not helped matters. They have been emitting Rosicky progress as if it is pieces of uncut diamond wrapped in golden pellets.
Another fine footballer that may never realise his full potential is Tottenham’s Ledley King. The Spurs skipper’s career has been blighted by constant injuries that date back seven years ago. His knees are particularly susceptible to injuries. Over the last four seasons, King has suffered seven major knee injuries. Sparking debate whether he the most unfortunate English premier player when it comes to injuries.
