Ranking the 9 Most Injury-Prone Players in Premier League History

For a footballer, few moments are as devastating as being stretchered off the pitch. The prospect of spending months—or even a year—on the sidelines can shatter dreams as they watch their teammates carry on without them. The heartbreak is universal.

The Premier League’s reputation as one of the world’s toughest leagues stems from its fast-paced, intense play, which makes it especially hard for players to adjust to its demands. This leads to a fair share of injuries, and along with the occasional freak accident, players often find themselves sidelined for long stretches.

Some players have had more than their fair share of bad luck. For this list of the Premier League’s most injury-prone players, we looked at the total number of games missed over their careers, focusing on those who have spent significant time in the league. Current players with extended injury absences are also included, with rankings based on the number of days they've been out of action.

9. Reece James

Already missed 640 days through injury

Reece James has missed a total of 640 days due to injury—remarkably low compared to others on this list. However, given that he’s only 24, it’s likely he’ll climb these ranks over time, so he’s included here in place of other retired stars.

The Chelsea academy graduate has endured a frustrating career thus far. When fit, he’s among the best defenders globally, yet persistent hamstring injuries continue to hold him back, even after surgery meant to address the issue. Both England and Chelsea may be losing one of their brightest stars to the ongoing toll of these injuries.

8. Gareth Bale

Missed 1,079 days through injury

Gareth Bale stands among the greatest wingers of all time, known for his ability to cut inside, burst past defenders, and find the top corner with ease. Tottenham fans adored him before his high-profile move to Real Madrid, but one issue remained a constant throughout his career: injuries.

Whether it was nagging back pain or a more serious knee problem, fitness struggles repeatedly held him back. That he managed to remain a world-class talent despite these setbacks is a testament to his skill and resilience. In his later years, some critics blamed his injuries on a supposed lack of commitment, but this was far from true. His dedication was evident when he returned to Spurs on loan for the 2020/21 season. Unfortunately, the continuous cycle of injuries prevented him from reaching his peak once again.

7. Thomas Vermaelen

Missed 1,366 days through injury

Thomas Vermaelen spent five years at Arsenal from 2009 to 2014 and, when fully fit, was among the Premier League's top centre-backs. Unfortunately, like others on this list, his appearances were limited due to frequent injuries. Across his career, the former Arsenal captain endured 35 separate injuries, causing him to miss a staggering 267 games.

Despite his well-known injury woes, Barcelona still signed him in 2014—a move that surprised many who had witnessed his struggles firsthand. The 2010/11 season highlighted this, as an Achilles tendon injury sidelined him for 57 games, a devastating setback for both Vermaelen and Arsenal.

6. Vincent Kompany

Missed 1,419 days through injury

Vincent Kompany stands as one of Belgium's finest players and a Premier League legend, though he’s often overlooked in debates over the greatest Premier League center-backs. Throughout his career, the current Bayern Munich manager was held back by persistent injuries that kept him from consistently reaching peak form. Despite minor knocks and recurring calf and shin injuries, his talent and leadership shone whenever he was fit, making him one of the most formidable defenders in the game.

Fortunately, these setbacks didn't derail his career. Kompany retired as a four-time Premier League champion, and his unforgettable long-range strike against Leicester City in 2019 became one of the league's iconic moments, clinching the title for Manchester City.

5. Jack Wilshere

Missed 1,470 days through injury

Jack Wilshere is just 32, yet the toll of injuries led him to retire at 30 in 2022—a bittersweet ending for a player who once ranked among the world’s brightest young talents. In 2011, Wilshere famously outclassed a Barcelona midfield featuring legends like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets, dazzling fans with his skill and fearlessness. Unfortunately, his career took a downward turn soon after, with recurring injuries preventing him from ever reaching his full potential. Today, Wilshere shares his expertise as the head coach of Arsenal’s U18s, helping to inspire and guide the club's future stars.

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4. Arjen Robben

Missed 1,507 days through injury

Arjen Robben is best remembered for his legendary career at Bayern Munich, where he solidified his place as one of the all-time greats in Dutch football. Yet, many may forget his impressive three-year stint at Chelsea from 2004 to 2007, where he dazzled under the Premier League spotlight. However, even in his debut season in west London, injuries took their toll, with Robben missing 27 games in the 2004/05 campaign. This set the tone for a career often marred by fitness battles. Despite these setbacks, he remarkably went on to achieve every major trophy, including the Champions League with Bayern Munich.

3. Stevan Jovetic

Missed 1,510 days through injury

During his three-year spell at Manchester City, Stevan Jovetic often made headlines—but more for his frequent absences than his performances on the pitch. In his first two seasons, the striker managed only 30 appearances, with two major setbacks from calf and hamstring injuries keeping him out for 11 and 10 games, respectively. Unfortunately, Jovetic's time at City mirrored his broader career: he had the talent and natural instincts of a top forward but was repeatedly sidelined, preventing him from maintaining a consistent run of form.

2. Thiago Alcantara

Missed 1,560 days through injury

Thiago Alcantara’s retirement in 2024 was one of the year's most significant, though few were surprised by his decision. Known as one of Spain's finest talents when fit, Thiago's career was continually hindered by injuries. This pattern persisted across his stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, with the intense demands of the Premier League compounding his struggles. Remarkably, he managed to play 30 league games in a season only once. After joining Liverpool in 2020, his fitness issues escalated, culminating in a severe hip injury that sidelined him for over 10 months in 2022/23. Unfortunately, a fresh injury struck in his first game back in 2024, leading him to the difficult choice to retire.

1. Abou Diaby

Missed 1,747 days through injury

Abou Diaby has been recognized as the most injury-prone player in Premier League history. During his time at Arsenal from 2006 to 2015, there were high hopes that he could step into the shoes of Patrick Vieira as his successor. Unfortunately, injuries derailed any chance of him approaching the legendary Frenchman's level.

Diaby missed over 314 matches due to a range of injuries, including ankle surgeries and muscular tears. His misfortune began in 2006 with a devastating challenge from Sunderland's Dan Smith, which resulted in a broken ankle and ruptured ligaments. Arsene Wenger was incensed by the tackle, stating, "If you do that to a guy in the street, you go to jail. There was only one intention in this tackle, to hurt the player; it was a career-threatening challenge. I will take legal advice to see how far I can go."