Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 5 hrs ago
Football experts link crowded schedules to rising injury concerns
A former Atlético Madrid doctor and a Spain team physiotherapist say footballers face too many matches.
They link the crowded schedule to fatigue and a greater risk of injuries.
A study counted 110 ACL tears in LaLiga from 2010-11 to 2019-20, or 11 per season, and found that each top-flight team averaged one every two seasons.
The physiotherapist says the study may no longer reflect the situation because the number of matches has risen by 10% to 15%.
The experts say injuries tend to cluster in September and October, and again in March and April, with travel, limited training and competitive intensity among the possible factors.
They say prevention and teamwork among medical staff, physiotherapists and fitness coaches can reduce many injuries.
The physiotherapist says preventive training focuses on muscles including the gluteals, hamstrings and quadriceps.
Football experts say the growing number of matches is increasing player fatigue and injury concerns.
A University of Málaga study recorded 110 anterior cruciate ligament ruptures in LaLiga from 2010-11 to 2019-20.
Physiotherapist Alejandro Sánchez Marín said the number of matches has since increased by 10% to 15%, limiting the study’s current relevance.
Former Atlético Madrid medical chief José González said preseason travel can leave players exhausted and undertrained.
The experts said preventive work by medical staff, physiotherapists and fitness coaches can help reduce injuries.
- Who
- José González, a sports doctor and former head of Atlético Madrid’s medical services, and physiotherapist Alejandro Sánchez Marín.
- What
- They link crowded football schedules and fatigue to rising injury concerns, and discuss prevention.
- When
- The article was published on 28 October 2026. The study it cites covers the 2010-11 to 2019-20 seasons.
- Where
- The injury data concerns LaLiga. González also describes his experience at Atlético Madrid.
- Why
- The experts say there are more matches, increasing fatigue; travel and insufficient training during preseason may also contribute.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A University of Málaga study recorded 110 cruciate ligament ruptures in LaLiga, an average of 11 per season.
AS published the article on crowded schedules and injury concerns.
- Study period
- 2010-11 to 2019-20
- LaLiga cruciate ruptures
- 110 recorded, averaging 11 per season
- Reported match increase
- 10% to 15%
- Injury-prone months
- September and October; March and April
- Article publication
- 28 October 2026
What people are saying
players are not machines
Currently, pre-seasons have a more economic than sporting objective
there are more matches and that means more fatigue
the intensity of competition