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Football is a sport where fitness plays an important role. Being involved in high-intensity action for a period of 90 minutes is not an easy task. Moreover, football is a physical game which could lead to a lot of injuries.
Despite adopting rigorous fitness regimes, no player is free from injuries in the game of football. Although injuries are getting fewer in recent times, it is unfortunate that a few vital players have been injured this month. After a hectic period with a lot of games played during Christmas and after the New Year, January has seen a lot of players getting injured.
It is to be noted that most of these injuries would take time to heal and this could affect the chances of the respective teams this season. On that note, here are 5 players who have been injured this month.
#5 Hector Bellerin
Hector Bellerin has been decent for Arsenal this season and he was particularly good in Arsenal's 2-0 victory against London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. However, the Spaniard picked up an ACL injury in his left knee which has ruled him out of this season. Bellerin was carried off in a stretcher during the Chelsea game after the nasty injury.
Bellerin's absence would expose Arsenal's right-back position as the Gunners lack a quality backup for the Spanish player in their squad. Although Unai Emery has ruled out a move for a right-back this winter, it would be better off if Arsenal signs a short-term replacement so that Bellerin's absence would not affect their campaign.
#4 Dele Alli
Tottenham Hotspur have been the team which has been affected the most by injuries in this part of the seasons. With Dele Alli's hamstring strain in their game against Fulham, Spurs are now without their full-strength squad until March.
Dele Alli has been ruled out until March and will miss a number of important games. While the first-leg of Spurs' Champions League stage game will be missed by Alli, the derbies against Arsenal and Chelsea will also not see England international in action.
After no incomings in the previous transfer window, Pocchetino should now focus on a few signings this month to keep the season on track.
#3 Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele will miss the next 15 days of action after he picked up an ankle injury in Barcelona's victory against Leganes on Sunday. He limped off in the second half of the game in which Barcelone continued to dominate with a 3-1 win over the opponents.
Dembele will now miss a total of four games which also includes the Copa del Rey quarterfinals against Sevilla. The Frenchman has always been fragile and his injury this month is unfortunate considering he was performing well in this season.
Barca will definitely miss him but they have already come into action after signing Kevin Prince Boateng recently. Although he is not a like-to-like replacement, Boateng would fill Dembele's absence for the next few days.
#2 Harry Kane
Harry Kane picked up an ankle injury earlier this month in Spurs' 1-0 defeat to Manchester United. Hence, the England and Spurs captain will not be available until March. Considering Spurs' striker woes, Harry Kane's injury will be a cause of worry for Pochettino.
Fernando Llorente has not been in form and Vincent Janssen is looking for a move away from the club. Hence, Kane's injury could affect the Spurs' campaign. Dele Alli is also injured and Tottenham will be in a difficult position next month.
Hence, Mauricio Pochettino must prioritize on a centre-forward signing this month.
#1 Neymar
In the Coupe de France clash against Strasbourg, Brazilian forward Neymar picked up an injury which led him to be replaced at the stroke of the one-hour mark. Neymar left the pitch with a suspected broken metatarsal and was reportedly in tears when he was taken off.
Earlier on in the match, the Brazilian had been on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Anthony Goncalves. Neymar's injury was a result of it.
Neymar has been in good form for the Ligue 1 giants this season and his absence could dent PSG's Champions League aspirations. Just 20 days are left for PSG's first leg of their Round Of 16 clash against Manchester United and there is still no clarity over Neymar's availability for the game.
Midfielder Marco Veratti is already on the sidelines with an injury and PSG could be sweating before their against the resurgent Manchester United.
