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It's almost here. The new season of football is almost upon us. Granted, the World Cup provided a much welcome showing but nothing really compares to club football does it?
The Premier League and Ligue 1 commence in less than 10 days followed by the other major leagues thereafter. Numerous clubs will begin life under new managers and new players as well.
The transfer window has seen some incredible developments, not the least of which was Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Juventus. Strengthening squads is a must, and many top clubs have made marquee signings.
However, some of those won't be able to turn out in new colours from the get-go. Injuries and fitness issues have left their status in doubt. Surely they will feature in the days to come but perhaps won't feature immediately.
On that note, here are 5 new signings who could start the season injured.
#5 Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez was courted by Manchester City in January but Leicester held firm, not willing to give up their star man. They finally conceded to Pep Guardiola this summer, as the Algerian was signed for £60 million.
He will provide much-needed backup in the wide positions as Raheem Sterling will be late to camp after his World Cup efforts. Bernardo Silva failed to impress last season so Mahrez's acquisition will be a welcome addition for Guardiola.
The former Leicester man scored 12 goals and set up 10 more in the league last season. But his impact this time could have to wait. He suffered an ankle injury against Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup last week.
Pictured on crutches, Mahrez gave quite a scare to the City fans. However, Guardiola assured that the issue was not a serious one recently. But there is no guarantee on his immediate recovery, and he could miss the Community Shield tie against Chelsea in City's season-opener.
#4 Fred
After Manchester United Michael Carrick retired, the Red Devils spent big, signing Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk for £52 million. The Brazilian plays as a defensive midfielder and can be an able ally to Nemanja Matic.
Fred's dynamism will be useful for coach Jose Mourinho, which will perhaps finally break the shackles on Paul Pogba. Capable of scoring the odd goal, the Brazilian's main contributions will be in the center of the park.
But his time in Manchester also could have a late beginning, due to an injury he picked up in Brazil's training camp for the World Cup. Teammate Casemiro lunged into a tackle to which did the damage to Fred's ankle.
Despite his injury, he could be thrust into action sooner than later, as Nemanja Matic is on the treatment table and Paul Pogba is still on leave after triumphing in Russia. One thing is for sure, Fred is yet to return to full fitness and it will be no surprise if he makes a belated debut for the Red Devils.
#3 Diogo Dalot
Antonio Valencia has been a tremendous performer at right-back at Old Trafford but Dalot was signed nonetheless, definitively one for the future. The teenager was acquired from FC Porto for £19 million but he came to Manchester with an injury.
He had a knee problem for which he had to undergo a minor surgery. Despite his injury, Dalot accompanied his teammates in United's preseason tour in the USA. He has not featured in training sessions until recently when he began some light work.
United begin their season against Leicester City in the first Premier League match of the season, a date which might be too early for Dalot. However, at just 19 years of age, he has a long career ahead of him and plenty of time to impress the Old Trafford faithful.
#2 Gerard Deulofeu
It seems as though Deulofeu has been around forever, constantly flipping between Barcelona and Everton. He was loaned out by the Catalans to Watford last season and the Hornets made the deal permanent in June for a reported €13 million.
Blessed with great pace and skill, the Spaniard has produced erratic performances despite his talent. He will look to amend that at Watford under relatively new manager Javi Gracia in the coming season.
Deulofeu may start the season later than expected, due to an injury he sustained last season. He suffered an ankle injury, a problem which has not healed until now.
Gracia said last week that Deulofeu will take another week to recover which may put the Premier League opener on 11th August beyond him.
#1 Radja Nainggolan
Inter have had a happening transfer window in which the major coup has been Nainggolan's arrival from Roma. Roma were paid €21 million along with Davide Santon and Nicolo Zaniolo who went the other way. The Belgian's move from Rome to Milan was a bit of a surprise.
An all-action midfielder, Nainggolan is a substantial contributor on both sides of the pitch and is sure to bolster Inter's midfield. However, that may happen belatedly as he suffered an injury in a preseason game.
In a game against FC Sion, Nainggolan picked up a thigh strain which he has been unable to shake off until now. He did not make an appearance in the recent friendly against Chelsea and coach Luciano Spaletti evoked caution.
Inter commence their Serie A season in less than three weeks and Nainggolan may face a race to be fit for that.
