Ranking how Much Each Top Club Has Paid for Injuries

July 5, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Injuries are a harsh reality in modern football, and nowhere is the financial toll clearer than in the Premier League. As clubs battle for titles, European spots, and survival, sidelined stars don't just impact results on the pitch—they drain millions from club budgets. This season, the top 10 clubs in England’s top flight have collectively lost staggering sums in wages paid to players unable to play due to injury. Here’s a look, starting from number 10 up to the hardest hit.

10. Everton - £9M

Everton rounds out the top ten with an estimated £9 million lost to player injuries this season. Although this figure is lower than the giants above them, it still represents a significant financial burden for a club often operating with tighter budgets. Injuries have disrupted their squad depth, making the financial hit even more impactful relative to their overall wage structure.

9. Aston Villa - £11M

Aston Villa have seen roughly £11 million of their wage bill tied up in sidelined players. As they look to establish themselves as consistent challengers for European spots, these losses underline just how crucial player fitness is to maintaining momentum. Each prolonged absence has forced Villa to dig deeper into their squad than planned.

8. Liverpool - £12M

Liverpool, typically near the top in such statistics, surprisingly find themselves eighth, with £12 million lost to injuries. Jürgen Klopp’s men have faced notable spells without key players, which not only hurt their on-field performance but also meant paying millions to players unable to contribute. It’s a stark reminder of how injuries can financially strain even top clubs.

7. Newcastle - £13M

Newcastle United — charnsitr / Shutterstock.com

Newcastle has invested heavily in building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, but injuries have cost them around £13 million. The club’s ambitious project has been somewhat hampered by having high earners on the treatment table, highlighting the fine margins in the modern Premier League arms race.

6. Brighton - £14M

Brighton’s impressive rise comes with its own challenges, as injuries have cost them an estimated £14 million this season. For a club praised for smart spending and tight wage structures, these losses are substantial. It underscores how even well-run teams can’t fully escape the financial impact of injuries.

5. Chelsea - £17M

Chelsea sits fifth on this costly list, having paid out about £17 million in wages to injured players. Given their enormous squad and high salary commitments, injuries have added yet another layer of frustration to a season already marked by inconsistency. Keeping players fit will be key to stabilizing their fortunes.

4. Tottenham - £18M

Tottenham Hotspur — Photo: sf_freelance / Shutterstock.com

Tottenham has absorbed roughly £18 million in wage losses due to injuries. In a season where they’ve tried to rebuild under new leadership, this has posed significant challenges. Paying millions to unavailable players reduces flexibility both on the pitch and in the transfer market.

3. Manchester United - £25M

Manchester United’s struggles with player fitness have cost them around £25 million. With several high earners spending long spells on the sidelines, it’s a figure that underlines why consistent injury issues have been a major storyline at Old Trafford. It also raises questions about long-term squad management and medical protocols.

2. Manchester City - £33M

Manchester City, despite their vast resources, have lost approximately £33 million to injuries this campaign. Even Pep Guardiola’s deep squad isn’t immune to the financial drain of missing top players. Fortunately for City, their depth often cushions the on-field impact, but the wage bill remains a harsh reality.

1. Arsenal - £35M

Topping the list is Arsenal, with a staggering £35 million paid out to players unable to feature due to injury. As Mikel Arteta pushes for the league title, these costs highlight just how much the Gunners have had to endure beyond the pitch. It’s a reminder that success often hinges on keeping star players available—both for tactical and financial reasons.