Like a New Signing in 2024/25: Players Returning from Injuries
The start of a new football season is always a time of excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of new signings and the chance to see their team perform at its best. But what about the players who missed a significant portion of the previous campaign due to injury? These players can be just as important as any new arrival, bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the table.
This season, several key players are set to return from injury, and their impact could be huge for their respective teams. From defenders like Jurrien Timber and Tyrone Mings to midfielders like Emiliano Buendia and Tyler Adams, these players are eager to prove their worth and contribute to their team’s success.
- Players returning from injuries can be just as crucial as new signings for a team, bringing experience and talent.
- Key defenders like Jurrien Timber and Tyrone Mings are set to make a strong comeback in the 2024/25 season.
- Jurrien Timber, after recovering from an ACL injury, is ready to showcase his defensive prowess and passing ability for Arsenal.
- Tyrone Mings, returning from injury, aims to bolster Aston Villa’s defense after their successful 2023/24 season.
- Midfielders like Emiliano Buendia and Tyler Adams are also poised to make an impact after their return from injuries.
- The return of these injured players could significantly influence the performance and success of their respective teams in the upcoming season.
Defenders Ready to Make a Comeback
After a season marred by injuries, many Premier League defenders are poised to make a strong comeback in 2024/25. These players are itching to regain their starting spots and contribute to their team’s success. Here’s a closer look at some of the key defenders returning from injury:
Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side experienced a thrilling 2023/24 season, narrowly missing out on securing the Premier League title. However, their defensive solidity was hampered by a significant injury to Jurrien Timber, the Dutch talent who had arrived from Ajax with great expectations. A season-ending Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury just 50 minutes into his Premier League debut dashed the hopes of fans who were eager to see him flourish in the English top flight.
Fortunately, Timber is now fully recovered and ready to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. His versatility, combined with his defensive prowess and exceptional passing ability, makes him a valuable asset to Arteta’s tactical approach. With the experience gained from his first season in England, Timber is determined to prove his worth and solidify his place as a key member of Arsenal’s backline.
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa had a remarkable 2023/24 season, securing a Champions League qualification spot for the first time in over a decade. Their success was built on a sturdy defense, but they were dealt a blow when Tyrone Mings sustained a season-ending ACL injury in the opening match of the campaign.
Now, with the new season approaching, Mings is ready to return to the fold, bringing his aerial dominance, tactical awareness, and versatility to bolster Villa’s defense. While he may face competition from the impressive Pau Torres, Mings’ presence will provide Unai Emery with valuable depth and tactical flexibility. He will be a vital asset as Villa navigate a demanding domestic and European schedule.
Max Aarons (Bournemouth)
AFC Bournemouth’s Max Aarons had a challenging debut season on the south coast, plagued by hamstring injuries that kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the campaign. Despite the setbacks, he showcased his attacking intent and ball-winning prowess whenever he was fit.
Andoni Iraola’s positive tactical approach complements Aarons’ adventurous style of play. With a clean bill of health, the former Norwich City star is ready to make a strong contribution to Bournemouth’s push for a higher finish in the Premier League.
Valentin Barco (Brighton)
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Valentin Barco arrived from Boca Juniors in January 2024, and despite limited playing time, he showcased his immense potential. The talented left-back’s ability to invert into central areas and push forward down the wing caught the eye of many.
Barco’s impressive cameo against Chelsea in his penultimate appearance for Brighton was a glimpse of what he is capable of. Under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, Barco is expected to play a more prominent role in the upcoming season, potentially even featuring in multiple positions.
Rico Henry (Brentford)
Brentford’s Rico Henry’s absence last season due to an ACL injury was a significant blow to Thomas Frank’s team. The energetic left-back’s defensive prowess and ability to provide balance from the left flank were sorely missed.
Henry’s return is a welcome boost for Brentford, who are looking to build on their impressive Premier League performance in 2022/23. His presence will add a crucial dimension to their defense, and his ability to challenge and win possession will be invaluable.
Aaron Hickey (Brentford)
Brentford’s Aaron Hickey, the Scotland international, was another victim of injury last season, missing a significant number of matches due to a hamstring problem. The versatile defender can operate effectively as a right or left-back, offering valuable tactical options to Frank.
Hickey’s ability to contribute effectively in multiple positions will be crucial for Brentford. His versatility, reliability, and youthful energy make him a valuable asset to their squad.
Wesley Fofana (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana is set to make a much-anticipated return from a long-term ACL injury, effectively acting as a new signing for the Blues. The talented French defender joined from Leicester City in 2022 but has been hampered by injuries, limiting his impact at Stamford Bridge.
Fofana’s return to fitness arrives at a crucial time for Chelsea, who struggled to find a consistent defensive partnership last season. His intelligence, pace, and ability to contribute on the ball will be vital as Chelsea seeks to improve their defensive record.
Reece James (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s Reece James has been plagued by persistent hamstring problems, limiting his appearances in recent seasons. Despite the setbacks, he remains one of the most talented right-backs in the league, capable of delivering pinpoint passes into the danger zone.
James is facing stiff competition from the impressive Malo Gusto, but his returning to full fitness is a significant boost for Chelsea. His attacking prowess, particularly his ability to deliver accurate crosses, will be a game-changer for the Blues.
Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez endured a frustrating 2023/24 season, battling a series of foot, knee, and calf injuries. However, the Argentinian defender’s impact on the team when he was fit was undeniable, particularly in the latter half of the season.
Martinez’s return to full fitness is a major boost for Erik ten Hag’s side, who will be looking to build on their improved performance in the second half of the last campaign. Martinez’s leadership, aggression, and experience will be crucial in bolstering United’s defense.
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s Luke Shaw missed a significant number of matches last season due to injury, highlighting his importance to the team. The left-back’s ability to provide balance, create chances from set-pieces, and accelerate United’s build-up play from the flank was sorely missed.
Shaw is expected to be a key player for United in the upcoming season, and his return to full fitness will be a major factor in their bid for success.
Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United)
Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia had a promising start to his career at Old Trafford before suffering a knee injury that required surgery. The Dutch left-back’s aggressive defensive style was a valuable asset to United’s backline.
While he is likely to be Shaw’s understudy, Malacia’s return to full fitness provides Ten Hag with valuable depth and tactical flexibility.
Sven Botman (Newcastle)
Newcastle’s Sven Botman’s absence last season due to a damaged ACL was a major setback for the Magpies, who conceded almost double the number of goals they did in 2022/23 when he was a rock at the heart of their defense.
Botman’s return is a major boost for Newcastle, who are looking to build on their impressive performance in the previous season. His strength in the air, mobility, and passing ability will be vital as Newcastle aim to secure a top-six finish and challenge for European glory.
Nick Pope (Newcastle)
Newcastle’s Nick Pope’s shoulder injury last season was a significant blow to the Magpies, limiting his appearances to just 15 starts. Despite missing a substantial portion of the season, he managed to record more clean sheets than the regular starter, Martin Dubravka.
Pope’s return to full fitness is a positive development for Newcastle, who will be looking to maintain their defensive solidity in the upcoming season. His ability to sweep up long balls and command his penalty area will be vital for the Magpies.
Midfielders Ready to Make an Impact
The return of these midfielders is set to make waves in the Premier League. Expect to see them driving their teams forward in 2024/25.
Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia’s absence last season due to a knee injury was a significant blow to Unai Emery’s team. The Argentinian playmaker was a key figure in Emery’s first season at the club, providing creativity, tactical intelligence, and a willingness to defend from the front.
Buendia’s return is a major boost for Villa, who are looking to continue their upward trajectory in the Premier League. His ability to thread passes through to Ollie Watkins and create chances for his teammates will be crucial.
Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey was expected to be a key player last season, but a series of injuries hampered his progress. However, he showed glimpses of his potential in the limited appearances he made.
Ramsey’s return to full fitness is a positive development for Villa. His ability to break forward and create opportunities in advanced areas of the pitch will be a valuable asset to Emery’s team.
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams’ arrival from Leeds United last season was met with excitement, but his campaign was cut short by a hamstring injury that required two operations. The American midfielder’s aggressive pressing style and defensive prowess were a valuable asset to Leeds in 2022/23.
Adams’ return to full fitness is a major boost for Bournemouth, who are looking to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League. His energy, aggression, and ability to win possession in midfield will be crucial for Andoni Iraola’s team.
Solly March (Brighton)
Brighton’s Solly March’s absence last season due to a ruptured ACL was a major blow to Roberto De Zerbi’s team. The attacking midfielder was coming off his best-ever season, and his absence impacted Brighton’s attacking output significantly.
March’s return to full fitness is a major boost for Brighton, who are looking to continue their impressive progress under De Zerbi. His ability to create chances, score goals, and provide a creative spark in midfield will be crucial for the Seagulls.
These returning players are poised to make a significant impact in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season. Their recoveries and returns to full fitness will be a welcome boost for their respective teams, who will be looking to compete for silverware and European qualification. From defenders who can lock down their backlines to midfielders who can dictate the tempo and create chances, these players are ready to prove their worth and contribute to their teams’ success.
