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As the 2024-25 Premier League title race enters its decisive phase, Liverpool’s comparatively robust injury record has become a talking point in their 13-point lead over Arsenal.

Plenty of discourse, especially online, has pointed towards Arsenal’s injury list of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, while Manchester City have had main man Rodri out since September as well as the likes of Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones out at various points of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s attack now relies on Leandro Trossard and 19-year-old academy product Ethan Nwaneri, contributing to consecutive goalless draws against West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

It seems the Reds have learned from their 2023-24 meltdown when injuries contributed to losing a late title lead.

This campaign, only Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Ibrahima Konate have missed more than five league games among starters, compared to 12 players exceeding that threshold last season – although Trent Alexander-Arnold has had few niggling concerns this term.

But Arne Slot showcased his management by taking off Alexander-Arnold in the 2-2 draw vs Aston Villa despite his equalizer – with a staggered approach in mind for the vice-captain.

And Liverpool icon Steve McManaman believes this is no accident, and points towards physical performance coach Ruben Peeters as well as his substitutions in games as the main reason for the ‘luck’:

“People say they’re fortunate about injuries,” McManaman said to TNT Sports.

“To a certain extent they are, but Arne Slot brought a sports scientist with him who he trusts implicitly, Ruben, and he’s done a wonderful job so it’s not luck.”

“He makes five substitutes in every single game.

He is helping the players out as much as he can because the schedule is hard and arduous.”

Back in pre-season, reports already hailed Ruben Peeters’ revolutionary methods, with the Athletic noting:

“Peeters’ main focus is the periodisation of training planning, where he maps out individual timetables for each player, deciding the workload required and when to build them up or rest them, so they peak at the right time.”

“Peeters also led a ‘DNA project’, which saw the club [Feyenoord] analyse samples of a player’s sweat, saliva, urine and stools several times per season, with the aim of obtaining more information to try to ensure faster physical repair and reduce time lost to injuries.”

With Liverpool facing only one top-six opponent in their final 10 games, the injury management could seal a record-equaling 20th title.

Arsenal must navigate April fixtures against Aston Villa and Tottenham without Saka and Martinelli, while City’s focus shifts to clinging to Champions League qualification.

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