This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
The Premier League is set to return on June 17, just five-and-a-half weeks after a 100-day stoppage, with a packed schedule of 92 games to be played in a short period.
While fans are eagerly awaiting the return of live action, players are bracing themselves for a grueling period ahead, with concerns over injuries mounting.
According to Newcastle club doctor Paul Catterson, the injury risk is particularly high for players who are out of contract at the end of the season and fearing for their future.
Championship side Charlton will be without top scorer Lyle Taylor for their battle against relegation, as the 30-year-old has decided not to play and put a lucrative move at risk.
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who was also out of contract at the end of the campaign, has been handed an extra year on his deal but is still feeling the effects of pre-season-style training without the help of physios to aid his recovery.
Conditioning expert Raymond Verheijen has described the return as 'Russian roulette with the health of players at stake', with the Dutchman warning that the players sense the danger but are in a difficult and dependent position.
