See Europe’s most important players who are just returning from injury…
The 2014/15 campaign is well underway, and teams’ seasons are taking shape. Which players,who have just returned or are about to return from injury, can change the fortunes of their side for the better in the next few weeks?
Here are our suggestions for the ten who can make the biggest impact.
SEE MORE:
(Image) Jack Wilshere Injury Map
Five Overrated Players On FIFpro’s World XI Defender List
The 20 Quickest Players In Football Manager 2015: The World’s Speediest Dribblers
Kevin Strootman – AS Roma
Strootman is being eased back into the Roma side after 10 months out. He was a key player for the giallorossi before his devastating cruciate injury, and he could have a vital role to play for Rudi Garcia’s side as they chase Juventus at the top of Serie A.
Kyle Walker – Tottenham Hotspur
Walker has suffered several setbacks in his recovery from injury, but is apparently only now only a few weeks away from a return. In his absence Spurs have been struggling horribly, and neither Eric Dier nor Kyle Naughton have looked convinced as a replacement. The explosive full-back’s return could change Tottenham’s fortune.
John Stones – Everton
Stones’ injury came at the worst possible time, just as the youngster had forced his way into the Everton side and was looking a solid option at centre-back and right-back. The Englishman will be back in early 2015, and with the Toffees looking inconsistent and lacking in defensive solidity, his return can’t come soon enough for Roberto Martinez.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich
A knee injury has kept Schweinsteiger out of action since the summer, and he made his first substitute appearance of the season last weekend, and came on against Manchester City in midweek.
With Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez also crocked, the return of the World Cup winner is a massive boost for the Bavarians, who are keen to make a bigger impact in the Champions League than last year.
Sami Khedira – Real Madrid
Khedira has been the subject of all manner of transfer rumours in his absence, but his return has coincided with an injury to Luka Modric, meaning the German midfielder has suddenly become irreplaceable for Madrid, and will have a key role to play in the coming months.
Phil Jones – Manchester United
Jones’ latest injury is shin splints, a very painful condition but one that also seems frustratingly minor. It has come when United need him most, with half their backline also missing with various complaints. The Englishman’s return could be the turning point in Man United’s season.
Ilkay Gundogan – Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund are having a desperate time in the Bundesliga, scraping the bottom of the relegation zone, and now their Champions League form is beginning to turn too, and they were feeble in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal on Wednesday night. Gundogan was the best Dortmund player on the pitch that night though, and fans of the German side will hope his return inspires a rally up the table.
Olivier Giroud- Arsenal
Giroud announced his return to the Gunners with a bang on Saturday, smashing home a bouncing ball for a consolation goal against Man United. Danny Welbeck and even Yaya Sanogo have done well in the Frenchman’s absence, but he gives the side a new dimension, which could turn their terrible start around.
Alvaro Negredo – Valencia
Negredo played his first 90 minutes for Valencia last week, and picked up an assist against Levante. The Spaniard’s loan signing from Manchester City was seen as a big coup for the club, and they will hope that is only the beginning.
Viktor Fischer – Ajax
Fischer got his injury at a bad time, as he was on the verge of breaking into the Ajax first team. They are chasing PSV Eindhoven in the table, and will need the young Dane in fine form if they are to overtake their old rivals.