Injuries are up this season - are you aware of that?

Injuries are up this season - are you aware of that?

NEIL HARRIS:

"I don’t think it’s a question of putting Jordi back in too early. It’s obvious there are a lot more injuries. We are a squad that rarely suffers from soft-tissue injuries. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes in the gym and on massage tables.

"I’m surprised with the injuries but when you think about the logistics of it, unchartered territories, quick turnaround, number of minutes put on players is intense, you are obviously going to pick injuries up.

"Three teams lost players in the warm-up last weekend, Barnsley lost two.

"But we have to protect the players as much as we can. We also want your best players on the pitch. But maybe we have to take a step back and realise it’s a bit different."

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Hmmmm? Nor did other clubs.


Importance of pre-season, you didn’t have one?

Neil Harris:

"I think that’s key. Everyone assumes lockdown was three months off for players, but it was a majorly intense period for players.

"On top of that, the excitement of the nine-game season and then the quick turnaround. Was there enough rest? No, there wasn’t. But if we didn’t do it then we wouldn’t have a football programme.

"I think we just have to accept we are going to pick injuries up."