The most injury-prone players in Premier League history

October 19, 2025 Oliver Obel

Injuries can destroy even the most promising football careers. Throughout Premier League history, several stars have spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch. Here’s a ranked look at the 12 most injury-prone players ever to grace the English top flight — starting from number 12 and working up to the most unfortunate of them all.

12. Ledley King – 507 Days Out, 105 Matches Missed

Ledley King spent his entire career at Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and was once regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the country. Chronic knee problems limited his availability, especially between 2006 and 2011. Many believe his career could have been legendary had injuries not forced him to retire early.

11. Jack Rodwell – 562 Days Out, 139 Matches Missed

Jack Rodwell showed early promise at Everton F.C. but never reached his potential due to constant injuries. His spells at Manchester City F.C. and Sunderland A.F.C. were plagued by fitness issues. The midfielder became more remembered for bad luck than brilliance on the pitch.

10. Daniel Sturridge – 831 Days Out, 184 Matches Missed

Daniel Sturridge was one of the most gifted strikers of his generation, shining especially at Liverpool F.C.. But after his incredible 2013/14 season, injuries derailed his career. Despite moves abroad, he never recaptured the form that once made him one of the league’s deadliest finishers.

9. Reece James – 680+ Days Out, 130+ Matches Missed

Reece James has suffered endless hamstring problems despite being only 24 years old. A key figure for Chelsea F.C., he’s missed huge chunks of seasons during his prime development years. If his injury struggles continue, he’s set to climb this unfortunate list in the future.

8. Gareth Bale – 1,079 Days Out, 256 Matches Missed

Gareth Bale was a world-class talent at Tottenham Hotspur F.C., known for his explosive pace and stunning goals. But his career was constantly interrupted by recurring fitness problems. Despite the setbacks, he still built an incredible legacy at both club and international level.

7. Thomas Vermaelen – 1,366 Days Out, 267 Matches Missed

Thomas Vermaelen was a top-class defender at Arsenal F.C. when fit. Unfortunately, his Achilles and muscle injuries meant long spells on the sidelines. Even after moving to Barcelona, his career was defined more by absences than appearances.

6. Vincent Kompany – 1,419 Days Out, 176 Matches Missed

Vincent Kompany is a Premier League icon for Manchester City F.C., but his body was often his biggest opponent. Calf and muscle injuries kept him out during key seasons. Despite that, he still lifted multiple league titles and became a club legend.

5. Jack Wilshere – 1,470 Days Out, 214 Matches Missed

Jack Wilshere burst onto the scene at Arsenal F.C. as one of England’s brightest young talents. But injuries robbed him of fulfilling that early promise. From ankle problems to stress fractures, he spent years sidelined before retiring at just 30.

4. Arjen Robben – 1,507 Days Out, 243 Matches Missed

Arjen Robben lit up the Premier League with Chelsea F.C. before enjoying huge success abroad. His incredible dribbling and cutting runs were constantly interrupted by muscle injuries. Even with those setbacks, he carved out one of the most decorated careers of his generation.

3. Stevan Jovetic – 1,510 Days Out, 211 Matches Missed

Stevan Jovetić — By Steindy (talk) 14:38, 18 June 2014 (UTC) - Own work, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33460103

Stevan Jovetic arrived at Manchester City F.C. with high expectations but rarely stayed fit. Calf and hamstring injuries became a frustrating pattern. His story remains one of talent never fully realized due to his body letting him down.

2. Thiago Alcantara – 1,560 Days Out, 362 Matches Missed

Thiago Alcântara — Saolab Press / Shutterstock.com

Thiago Alcantara was a world-class midfielder who struggled to adapt physically to the Premier League at Liverpool F.C.. Hip and muscle problems kept him off the pitch for most of his spell in England. Despite his technical brilliance, injuries ultimately forced him to retire in 2024.

1. Abou Diaby – 1,747 Days Out, 314 Matches Missed

Abou Diaby tops the list after a cruel run of injuries at Arsenal F.C.. A devastating ankle injury early on set the tone for a career defined by setbacks. Once seen as the next Patrick Vieira, he never got the chance to show his full potential.