So the Premier League is back, and with a bang it must be said. Fellaini capped off a superb individual display to score the winner against Manchester United. Manchester City started off exactly how they ended last season by leaving it late and coming from behind to grab victory and both Fulham and Swansea bagged 5 goals each. There were plenty of new signings on show, with Michu, Cazorla and Petric among those shining, but, unfortunately for some clubs, injuries were picked up too.

Sergio Aguero took an early blow to the knee in the game against Southampton and reports suggest he will be out till late September. As everyone knows, City have the squad to cope, with Dzeko and Balotelli champing at the bit to fill the space but how costly could this injury be to them? Aguero and Tevez look frighteningly dangerous together, especially now Tevez has dropped the weight he gained on his golfing holiday and seems to have his head in check.

Although, Aguero could only potentially miss 3-4 matches, any set back could prove pivotal to the outcome of the season, especially when you consider how close United were last season. Interestingly enough, City suffered the least amount of injuries last season, only suffering 7 separate injuries to first team players. This is amazing when you consider the rigours of the football season these days. United on the other hand, topped the table and suffered 39 separate injuries. Would United have been champions if they had the same luck with injuries as City?

Unsurprisingly hamstring injuries were the most common muscle injury last season, and City were actually the only club who didn’t pick any up. At the weekend, the curse of the hamstring struck again and England forgotten man Joe Cole pulled up within minutes of coming on. Although, he may not have been a key player under Kenny Dalglish, ultimately being shipped out on loan to Lille, he went under a mini renaissance and showed glimpses of returning to his best. A fit again, and on form Joe Cole, would arguably walk into most teams and could be a massive player for Liverpool this season. However, like many other players, injuries have blighted his career and the current set back may well determine his future in Brendan Rodger’s plans.

So Manchester United suffered the most individual injuries last season and their woes continuing into this season. At Everton they had to field Carrick at centre back as Ferdinand, Jones, Smalling and Evans had all picked up injuries. An ever changing back four certainly didn’t help them last season and they will be hoping Ferdinand doesn’t continue picking up niggling injuries throughout this season. Jones and Evans shouldn’t be out for too long, but Smalling won’t be back till mid-October after fracturing a metatarsal.

Although, Carrick didn’t really put a foot wrong through the game, Fellaini brushed him aside to nod home the only goal of the game. If United had a steady defence which could stick together, it could be the difference between winning the Championship and not. At the other end of the pitch lies another potential hazard for them though.

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