AN incredible XI of players out with ACL injuries would make up a £392million-rated team.
And they would definitely have a shot of winning this season’s Champions League.
An anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the worst setbacks a footballer can suffer.
The knee injury requires immediate surgery to kick-start the path to recovery.
But it can take even the most seasoned professionals at least NINE months to get back to full fitness.
And incredibly, there are no less than 11 top-profile players currently sidelined with ACL issues.
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The star-studded side is worth a combined £392m, according to values on Transfermarkt.
And they would be among the favourites for the Champions League if they ever got together in the same team.
In goal is Thibaut Courtois (£49m), a two-time Premier League and three-time La Liga winner.
The 31-year-old, who has also won the Europa and Champions League, suffered his setback before the start of the season.
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And he has since been replaced by Kepa Arrizabalaga — the same man Chelsea signed when Courtois left them for Real Madrid in 2018.
An impressive five-man defence would then no less than four English top-flight stars present.
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber (£36.5m), Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana (£34.5m), Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings (£19m) and Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic (£3m) are all long-term casualties this season.
Each player’s absence is a huge blow to their respective clubs.
But spare a thought for Real Madrid, who have a second player injured with an ACL problem in centre-back Eder Militao (£60m).
Further forward, Aston Villa also have ACL setback No2 in midfielder Emi Buendia (£24m).
The Argentina ace has been unlucky with injuries since his move to the Midlands.
And he is joined by Barcelona starlet Gavi (£78m), who is regarded by many as arguably the best youngster in world football.
He suffered a horrendous setback in Spain’s 3-1 win over Georgia.
And Barcelona are said to be fuming as they desperately hunt for cover in the January transfer market.
Finally, up top is a fearsome three-man attack led by Brazil icon Neymar (£43m).
The ex-PSG ace picked up his ACL injury early on in his Saudi Arabia career.
Neymar was left in tears during Brazil’s match with Uruguay and won’t be able to play for new side Al-Hilal until next year.
Alongside him is Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino (£30m), who had been making great strides for his club before suffering his setback.
The final place in attack goes to Breel Embolo (£13m) of Monaco, who hurt his ACL in training before the start of the campaign.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
