The number of injuries in the Premier League last month topped 100 for the first time in five years, with the seasonal average up by 10 per cent.
Sixteen matches were postponed last month because of a combination of Covid and injuries.
Data collected by analysts at Premier Injuries reveals there were 111 casualties reported in December — whereby a player has missed a period of at least nine days — up significantly on an average of 76 in the previous five seasons. The figure does not include the 72 known cases of Covid.
Former England and Arsenal physio Gary Lewin believes the situation will show no sign of changing, with players at higher risk of injury given the impact of Covid on fitness and scheduling.