Premier League Injuries Up 40% Since '11-12, Costing Clubs £157M, Research Finds

Research from JLT revealed Premier League clubs spent £157M "on wages for injured players last year," according to Oliver Ralph of the FINANCIAL TIMES. The insurance broker "warns that the cost could rise as more lucrative TV deals help push up player wages." JLT Specialty Sport, Media & Entertainment Head Duncan Fraser said, "This fresh influx of money will undoubtedly have a knock-on effect for players when they negotiate their contracts. This is expected to increase the amount spent on injured players’ salaries, as the number of injuries per season continues to rise." The average number of injuries per team "has risen" from 25 in '11-12 to 35 last season, a 40% increase. Last season "there were 705 injuries to Premier League players" (FT, 8/12).