Every season, injuries play a decisive role in determining where teams finish. This campaign is no different. Across the Premier League, several clubs are navigating the final months with key players on the treatment table.
Tottenham's loss of Dejan Kulusevski for 23 fixtures has been particularly costly. The Swedish international's creativity and work rate in the final third are difficult to replicate, and Spurs have felt his absence in tight matches.
Burnley's situation is arguably the most challenging. With Connor Roberts out for 27 fixtures and Zeki Amdouni missing 24, the squad has been stretched thin at a critical stage. Depth becomes paramount when injuries accumulate.
At Chelsea, Wesley Fofana's latest setback is a familiar frustration. The centre-back's injury record has prevented him from building the consistency that his talent deserves.
The lesson is clear: the squads with the best depth and the best injury management programs tend to finish strongest. Fitness and availability are the most underrated factors in a title race.