Phil Lythell
Sport News 24/7Big Four counting the cost of injuries
By Phil Lythell, on 19th November 2009, 13:45 UTC
Key injuries are threatening to disrupt the so-called Big Four clubs as they prepare to embark on the most gruelling part of the season.
Liverpool have had a torrid time this campaign and much of it can be put down to the unavailability of vital personnel. Their talismanic captain Steven Gerrard has not played a full ninety minutes since the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea in early October and though he looks to be on his way back to fitness it may take some time for him to regain match sharpness.
Fernando Torres is still out with a groin injury and they have struggled for goals in his absence. Rafael Benitez is unsure whether his star striker will be available for the Merseyside derby on November 29th but hopes to have him back in time for their trip to Portsmouth on December 19th.
Leaders Chelsea will have to do without their midfield general Frank Lampard as he picked up a thigh injury while on duty with the England national team and will almost certainly miss the huge match with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium along with former Gunner Ashley Cole who has a depressed fracture of the tibia.
Arsenal themselves will be without the services of Robin Van Persie for that match after he tore ankle ligaments following a challenge from Giorgio Chiellini in the friendly match between Holland and Italy. Croatia striker Eduardo will lead the line in his absence.
Champions Manchester United have had defensive problems all season which have not been helped by injuries to their first-choice central defensive pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The injury to Ferdinand is particularly perplexing as it seems to keep rearing its ugly head and it looks like keeping him out the match at his former club West Ham United. Happily for United Vidic appears to be returning to full fitness.
Such injury woes might leave the door open for a Manchester City or Tottenham to force themselves up the table though Carlo Ancelotti, Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez will be hoping their large squads will prevent too much damage.
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