What is it with modern strikers and injuries...

[Gullflyinghigh]

Then of course there are the improvements in medical technology such as MRI and ultrasound scans that can detect problems that used to go untreated.

This is the answer I would have given, back in the day a strain or niggle would be run off or carried on with regardless (especially pre-subs) with very little thought given to it afterwards.

Compared to now where the technology exists to find out whether the strain/injury is indicative of a larger issue it's no surprise that more things are getting picked up.

Add into the mix that players are now more assets than people it's no wonder that clubs take them out the firing line if any doubt exists over their condition.

Final point, players have more of an understanding of injuries themselves, as well as the power to do something about it. Regardless of the paypacket, if you were put in a position where playing without treatment could feasibly cause you damage lasting beyond your career would you do it (ignoring Albion loyalties of course)?

 

[mune ni kamome]

So what we are saying is they are a bunch of lily-livered wusses now.

 

[The Modfather]

Modern players need to get back to basics, and that a diets of booze and fags. Never did good ole Kit any harm.

 

[edna krabappel]

Isn't it down to knowledge? We know what damage can be done by playing through injuries that players would have been told to "run off" in the past. Players are at the absolute peak of physical fitness, as opposed to the steak-munching, ale-swigging specimens of the past. Technology picks up any drop off in performance and highlights possible weaknesses or injuries, which results in them being taken off the front line.

And different injury types manifest themself now. Fractured metatarsals seem to be de rigeur, presumably linked to lightweight boots as opposed to the chunky leather monsters players used to wear.

 

[withdeanwombat]

An interesting thread though based on the misconception that ANY of our current strikers can be compared to Kit Napier in ANY way.

 

[The Antikythera Mechanism]

Kit was also a striker who could score directly from corners as well

 

[Baldseagull]

The same thing has happened in Rugby Union in a much shorter space of time as they changed from amateur to professional. Players now train daily and are faster, less body fat = more injury