Football or soccer as it is sometimes known consists of two teams of 11 players each playing on a 100 yard football pitch with a set of goal posts at each end. The basic object of football is to kick the ball through the opponent's goal whilst trying to prevent the opposition from kicking the ball into their goal. The physical nature of football means injuries are common and dramatically range from minor strains and aches to serious career ending injuries. Minor injuries occur in just about every match and range from sprains, strains, turf toe, muscle cramps and blisters.
Sprains and strains are an extremely common injury for a footballer and are often caused when challenging the opposition for the ball. Turf toe is an injury to the underside of footballer's big toe this is frequently caused by playing football on hard artificial surfaces or during the winter months when the ground can be extremely hard.
As a percentage fractures account for 25% of all major football injuries. It is not only the leg and ankle which is at risk as it is not uncommon to see footballers with fractured wrists and fingers. Other serious injuries include, torn cartilages and spine injuries often resulting in a length spell on the sidelines.
Although footballing injuries will never be eliminated it is important to use the correct pads and protective gear to reduce the chance of injury. In addition, the correct warm up procedures should be following to reduce the risk of injury.
To find out which players are currently injured please see Fantasy Football Injuries