Effects of muscular injuries on the technical and physical performance of professional soccer players

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Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of muscular injuries in the lower limbs on the technical and physical performance of professional soccer players when they return to the league competition.
Methods: Seventy-six muscular injuries incurred by Spanish male professional soccer players (Age: 27.5 ± 3.5 years) were analyzed during two consecutive competitive seasons: 2014–2015 and 2015–2016. The players’ performance was studied during Spanish First Division competitive matches using a multi-camera computerized tracking system (Mediacoach Desktop).
Results: After muscular injury relative total distance covered in sprints decreased by 8.6 ± 30.2% (P = 0.013) in the first half and 7.7 ± 36.6% (P = 0.038) in the second half. Similarly, maximal running speed decreased by 2.78 ± 6.91 km.h−1 (pre: 27.3 ± 6.4 km.h−1 vs. post: 24.5 ± 6.6 km.h−1, P = 0.013) in the first half, and 1.50 ± 5.68 km.h−1 (29.1 ± 3.9 km.h−1 vs. 27.6 ± 5.3 km.h−1, P = 0.043) in the second half. Muscle injury also affected technical performance significantly decreasing successful passes (P = 0.045). There were no differences in the number of possession gains (P = 0.277), and possession losses (P = 0.178).
Conclusions: After a moderate or severe muscular injury (causing >8 days lay off), player performance is significantly lower in high-intensity efforts and technical skills such as sprints, maximal running speed, or successful passes.