2016 in terms of football was embroiled in controversy and pain as usual. In terms of injuries, a number of high-profile players failed to contribute to their club’s journey due to their bodies just giving up on them. Here are 5 of the most iconic players, who missed out on their club’s respective campaigns due to horrible injuries
#1 Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany has always been regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generations. However, recurring injuries have marred a career that could have reached extraordinary heights. The 6’3” central defender has suffered 4 separate injuries, keeping him on the sidelines and mounting the pressure on Spanish manager Pep Guardiola. The player has managed to miss 289 days and 46 games this year already, a moment in his career he would love to forget.
With Manchester City’s defence looking immensely vulnerable, the club could have done with having their captain on the pitch. His skills and leadership abilities are no doubt commendable, and at a time like this when the title race is heating up, Kompany could have done wonders for the Manchester club.
#2 Marco Reus
One look at his injury history and you have 3 pages to go through. The player has been suffering injuries dated all the way back to the 2009 season. At his best, he’s personally one of the most entertaining players to watch. He can score, assist and defend for his team. His contributions to the Dortmund squad at his peak were immensely valuable, and the club could do with having the German winger on the field more, rather than him watching games from the sideline.
He’s suffered 3 separate injuries and missed 193 days in total, despite which he has been able to grab 4 goals and 6 assists in 5 games. A fit Marco Reus could do wonders for the Dortmund squad right now.
#3 Danny Welbeck
Does anyone remember Danny Welbeck anymore?
The player underwent a knee operation on the 3rd of September 2015, which kept him out for the first month of 2016. An injury to his hyaline cartilage, saw him ruled out for the entirety of the season. The English striker has missed a total of 534 days due to his injuries.
Arsenal are second on the table, 3 points behind leaders Chelsea and do not seem to have a problem with scoring goals. However, if Arsene Wenger had another striker in his hands, it would make it easier to deal with situations where the Frenchman would like to see his side score that crucial winning goal.
Riccardo Montolivo
Montolivo has had a tough 2016. The player suffered heartbreak after failing to make it to Antonio Conte's final 23-man squad for the Euro 2016. An injury meant he couldn't contribute to the team's European campaign. He has been out for 243 days this year, and it must be immensely painful for a player who has seen it one too many times.
The player also missed out on the 2014 World Cup squad due to injury. A huge blow for Italy’s chances, as the player himself, made a significant impact for the team in the previous European Championships.
AC Milan are currently 3rd on the table, 7 points off the top. Montolivo will only be back next season, but they could really have done with their former captain this year.
Arkadiusz Milik
Arkadiusz Milik moved to Napoli on €35 million deal in the summer. The player scored 21 goals in 31 appearances during his last year at Ajax and was hot property during the transfer window. However 7 appearances and 4 goals into the new season, the player tore his cruciate ligament, sidelining him for 6 months.
From the October of 8th, he is set to miss 116 days, and 20 Napoli fixtures. A serious blow for a side that lost star striker Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus during the window. Milik was brought in to lead from the front-line and losing him dealt a huge blow to their chances. 4th on the table and 8 points off the top spot, Napoli have had no luck this year.
The player hopes to come back in time to face Real Madrid in the Champions League. "[My knee] is really good. After two months I feel good, but judging my condition is not up to me, that's the doctor's job. I'm training, I'm back running, but the doctor will decide. I hope to return to the pitch as soon as possible, for January-February. I don't know when I'll start training with the team. I just want to return to the pitch as soon as possible."
