Leon Bailey, Plastic Pitches and the 'Higher Risk' Worrying Unai Emery

Leon Bailey Suffers Fresh Injury Setback

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey suffered a fresh injury setback during the club's pre-season friendly against Stade Rennais on July 23, 2023. The Jamaican international was forced off the pitch just 20 minutes into the game with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Bailey has been plagued by injuries since joining Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2021, and this latest setback is a major blow to Unai Emery as he prepares for his first season in charge of the club.

Bailey has been a key player for Villa when fit, but his injury problems have limited him to just 18 Premier League appearances since his arrival. The winger has also missed several important matches for Jamaica, including the recent CONCACAF Gold Cup. Bailey's latest injury is a major concern for Emery, who is already without a number of other players due to injury. The Spaniard is hoping that Bailey will be fit for the start of the Premier League season, but there is no guarantee that he will be able to recover in time.

Artificial Pitches Linked to Higher Risk of Injury

There is growing concern among football experts that artificial pitches may be linked to a higher risk of injury. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2021 found that players were more likely to suffer ankle and knee injuries on artificial pitches than on natural grass. The study also found that players were more likely to suffer these injuries during the first 15 minutes of a game on an artificial pitch.

The Stade Rennais match was played on an artificial pitch, and it is possible that this may have contributed to Bailey's injury. Emery has expressed his concerns about the use of artificial pitches in the past, and he is likely to be even more concerned after Bailey's latest setback.

Emery Calls for Ban on Artificial Pitches

In light of Bailey's injury, Emery has called for a ban on artificial pitches in professional football. The Spaniard believes that artificial pitches are simply too dangerous for players, and he is urging FIFA to take action. "I think it's a higher risk of injuries," Emery said. "I think we need to protect the players, and I think we need to ban the artificial pitches."

Emery's call for a ban on artificial pitches is likely to be met with resistance from some clubs and leagues. Artificial pitches are often seen as a cheaper and more convenient alternative to natural grass, and they are particularly popular in countries with cold climates. However, if the evidence suggests that artificial pitches are linked to a higher risk of injury, then FIFA may have no choice but to take action.