Common football injuries include:

• Sprains of the ankle: This often happens from running on an uneven surface, or changing direction very quickly on uneven ground. Such movement can put extra stress on ligaments.
• Hamstring strains: The hamstrings are strong muscles positioned at the back of the thigh, and are essential for running at speed. Being a professional footballer involves running very quickly, and then stopping and changing direction. This immediate change of pace can place pressure on the hamstring muscles, causing injury. Many professional footballers often use massage and foam rollers to relieve any tension in the muscles.
• Groin injuries: Kicking, twisting your body awkwardly, running and jumping can place extra pressure on your inner thigh muscles and your groin area. This is especially the case if the inner thigh muscles have not been stretched properly via side lunges.
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries: This is a ligament in the knee that can become injured if it stays still while the rest of the body moves or twists. This type of injury is most common during tackling moves. If the Anterior Cruciate Ligament becomes torn, it may require surgery. If it is sprained, rehabilitation will be required through physiotherapy.

Other possible injuries a professional footballer might endure are calf strain, concussions and head trauma, quadriceps strains and calf strains.

To prevent football injuries, professional footballers should always take the following steps:

• Strengthening exercises
• Warm up exercises
• Cool down stretches after play
• Wearing shin guards and the correct footwear
• Eating healthily
• Keeping hydrated