Premier League injury returns: COVID-19 – The gift or the curse of the postponement
As per UEFA and the final decision to push back EURO 2020 to 2021, to allow for all domestic leagues to conclude. The talks of injury returns in the Premier League and others across Europe take centre stage.
Yesterday UEFA announced their flagship tournament has been rescheduled from 2020 to 2021. This amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to decrease the risk of fans and clubs alike from contracting the widespread virus.
The safeguard taken across the globe by the footballing heads to suspend action has been frowned upon and seen as a major upset to daily life. But action must be taken. No players no games. No fans no fun.
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Although, other clubs who have everything to gain from a suspension are looking at this forced intermission as a lifesaver. There are always alternative ways to look at all things. It’s either the glass is half empty or half full.
This is what comes to mind when you think about the Premier League clubs like, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Spurs, United and others, who all have five or more players missing from team selection.
These teams look at the Coronavirus break as a chance to recharge, rethink, and rewrite their near future that has a lasting effect on their long-term destiny . Players available for selection is a far better headache than having none to choose from altogether. The one leaves you with a smile on the face and the other a possible stroke.
One example – Jose and Tottenham
A prime example of a team profiting from this the most is Jose Mourinho and his Spurs. They are supposed to welcome back a few names to the starting lineup, not only to the squad. Let’s face it… They’ve been poor since sustaining many injuries.
Old Spurs, Harry Kane, Son, Sissoko, and newbie Steven Bergwijn, all picked up season threatening knocks. It was really only Sissoko who was making a comeback sooner than all of the above mentioned. It would have been touch and go to see the two forwards fit before the season ends, even though Jose was confident of seeing them back in time for a fight.
Kane and Son are so important to Mourinho, the pair together have scored 20 of Spurs 47 Premier League goals. Having them back if/when we return to action is a significant boost. The two have played and missed a similar amount of games.
The Englishman made 20 appearances and the South Korean 21. Spurs are just one example, imagine those fight relegation where the point gap is so tight?
The foretold date of April 4 for the Premier League restart is looking like a gift for some of the clubs.