Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton physio bemoans worst ever injury crisis: Everton FC latest
EVERTON physio Mick Rathbone has described the current crop of knee injuries at the club as the worst he has ever seen.
But after last week's positive fitness bulletin on Mikel Arteta, he explained that Phil Jagielka was also making excellent progress.
Arteta and Jagielka were two of an unprecedented five players all to suffer serious knee injuries at Everton this year.
While their cruciate ligament injuries occurred in innocuous incidents, Victor Anichebe, Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar were all injured in tackles which angered the Blues' backroom staff.
'I have been a physio for 14 years and I have never known anything like this with so many serious injuries in one go,' said Rathbone.
'Injuries are part of the game but to be hit with so many long term problems has been tough.
'If you are having these injuries year-in year-out you would have to look at yourselves and ask what are we doing wrong? But this is just a one off.
'You have to also take into account that the game is getting much faster. The players are getting stronger and therefore more powerful.
' The pitches now are also very firm which is starting to take its toll. So it's not just bad luck, there are other factors behind it.'
With Arteta closing in on an eagerly awaited competitive return, Rathbone pointed out that Jagielka, too, was making excellent progress and has started kicking a ball again.
'We are very pleased with Phil Jagielka. He is doing some good quality ball work now,' said Rathbone.
'When we talk about the recovery time from a cruciate injury the absolute minimum is six months.
'The surgeon won't let a player go into any type of contact work for at least six months then you have to add on time to build up fitness and play in a few reserve games so you are looking at over seven months for a quick comeback.'
