Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital
Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room update of 2015!
All of the medical and sports science team were delighted with the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday, for many reasons.
First, of course we were happy to get the three points; Second, we were pleased to see Andy Carroll and Manu Lanzini return to the pitch and not suffer any reactions, while James Tomkins did well to play after suffering a blow to his eye at Aston Villa; Third, we got through without picking up any new injuries.
This time of year is very challenging for the medical and sports science departments, as it is for all backroom staff at every football club.
We saw a lot of muscle injuries in the Premier League in the last few games, and we should question ourselves as to why we play twice in 48 hours.
With so many matches in a short space of time, we use a number of methods to help the players to recover for the next game with a quick turnaround, including physiotherapy, soft tissue treatments, recovery gym work, cryotherapy chambers, ice baths and the traditional methods of good food and plenty of rest and recovery time.
The medical and sports science team deserves credit in this final week of the year.
Payet’s injury is one where you would normally be out for ten to 12 weeks, but he is training after seven-and-a-half weeks. Lanzini’s injury would normally rule a player out for four to six weeks, but he was playing in three-and-a-half weeks.
On the other hand it’s not always about bringing the players back as soon as possible, but assessing the risks. Some players are out for longer than planned because they are not ready, but if we play two games in three days, we all push it to the limit and give the manager the best possible cards to win the game.
We win, lose, get injured and rehab as a team.
Dimitri Payet has recovered from his high ankle sprain and has been training with the team. Dimi will be available to play some part against Liverpool on Saturday.
The same is the case for Nikica Jelavic and Aaron Cresswell, who both have a good chance to be available for the weekend.
Victor Moses and Winston Reid will join training later this week and are working with the rehab fitness coach to get the necessarily fitness under their belts.
Diafra Sakho will return to Rush Green on Thursday and begin the next stage of his rehab.
Happy New Year!
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science