The Most Bizarre Injuries in the English Premier League
In the EPL, injuries are a common part of the game. However, some injuries stand out not just for their impact on players and teams but also for their sheer bizarreness.
Today we take a look at some of the odd Premier League injuries which took place both on and off the pitch.
Darius Vassell’s DIY Surgery
Vassell, the former Aston Villa and England striker, made headlines for attempting to treat a swollen toe himself. In 2002, Vassell used a power drill to relieve pressure from a blood blister on his toe.
Unsurprisingly, this amateur surgical attempt did not end well, resulting in an infection that required professional medical attention. The injury sidelined him for several weeks, proving that sometimes it’s best to leave medical issues to the professionals.
Jari Litmanen’s Heart Monitor Incident
Litmanen, the Finnish forward who played for Liverpool, sustained a bizarre injury due to a heart monitor. In 2001, while undergoing routine heart monitoring, Litmanen had an allergic reaction to the gel used, which caused severe burns on his chest.
The incident kept him out of training, adding to his injury woes during his time at Liverpool.
David James and His Video Games
David James, the former Liverpool and England goalkeeper, once admitted that he missed a match due to a strain in his back caused by playing video games. In 1997, James revealed that his addiction to the game Tekken resulted in him spending hours in front of his console, leading to the injury.
This incident was a classic example of how off-pitch activities can unexpectedly affect players’ careers.
Steve Morrow’s Trophy Mishap
In 1993, Arsenal’s Steve Morrow experienced a bizarre injury while celebrating a victory in the League Cup final. After scoring the winning goal against Sheffield Wednesday, Morrow was lifted by his teammate Tony Adams. Unfortunately, Adams lost his grip, and Morrow fell awkwardly, breaking his arm in the process.
Instead of celebrating the win, Morrow was rushed to the hospital, making it one of the most unfortunate injury incidents during a celebration.
Richard Wright’s Warning Sign Woe
Wright, the former Everton goalkeeper, suffered a unique injury in 2006 while warming up for an FA Cup match against Chelsea. Wright ignored a warning sign placed in the goalmouth and tripped over it, severely twisting his ankle. This injury forced him to miss the match and added an ironic twist to the phrase ‘ignoring the signs’.
David Beckham’s Sarong Incident
David Beckham, one of the most iconic figures in football, also fell victim to a strange off-pitch injury.
In 2003, while recovering from a foot injury, Beckham was wearing a sarong at home when he tripped on the hem and fell, aggravating his existing injury. The incident added to the long list of unusual mishaps that have befallen football players over the years.
Santiago Cañizares and the Aftershave Bottle
Although not a Premier League player, Santiago Cañizares’ injury is worth mentioning due to its outright oddity. In 2002, the Spanish goalkeeper missed the World Cup after dropping a bottle of aftershave on his foot, severing a tendon.
The bizarre nature of the injury serves as a reminder of how everyday objects can sometimes pose unexpected dangers to athletes.
Alex Stepney’s Shout Injury
This is an older one, but certainly worth mentioning, given that it’s one of the most ridiculous injuries to ever happen on a football pitch.
In 1975, Manchester United’s goalkeeper Alex Stepney suffered an unusual injury during a match against Birmingham City. Stepney dislocated his jaw while shouting instructions to his defence.
The severity of the injury forced him to leave the pitch, making it one of the strangest in-game injuries in football history.
Kevin-Prince Boateng’s Dance Injury
Boateng, during his time with Portsmouth, injured himself while dancing. In 2012, Boateng admitted that he picked up a thigh strain while celebrating a goal with an elaborate dance routine.
The injury kept him out of action for a few weeks, demonstrating that even celebrations can sometimes go horribly wrong.
Bryan Robson’s Fishing Accident
Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson suffered a bizarre injury while on a fishing trip in 1990. Robson was stung by a stingray, resulting in a severe infection that required medical treatment.
The incident kept him out of the game for several weeks and added to his long list of injuries throughout his career.
Alan Wright’s Car Injury
Alan Wright, the diminutive former Aston Villa defender, once injured himself due to his car. Standing at just 5’4”, Wright strained his knee reaching for the accelerator in his Ferrari, a car designed for taller individuals.
The injury highlighted the sometimes overlooked risks associated with luxury sports cars and their unsuitability for shorter drivers.
Conclusion
These instances illustrate the unpredictable nature of injuries in the world of football. While the physical demands of the game account for many injuries, it’s often the off-pitch mishaps that provide the most surprising and memorable stories.
As the Premier League continues to thrill fans worldwide, it’s certain that more bizarre injury tales will emerge, adding to the rich tapestry of football folklore.