Newcastle's doctor expects more injuries as Premier League nears return

Find out the latest on COVID-19's impact on the sports world and when sports are returning by subscribing to Breaking News push notifications in the Sports and COVID-19 section.

Newcastle United's club doctor said Tuesday he expects Premier League players to injure themselves more frequently because of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League suspended its season March 13 due to the global health crisis, forcing players into quarantine. Managers held virtual training sessions to keep players in shape and gave them personal programs to follow until the league allowed sides to reconvene at their facilities in May.

"We are expecting more injuries at this time," Dr. Paul Catterson told BBC Radio 5 Live. "The players have been running on treadmills and working indoors for eight weeks, so that transition is a different stimulus for the body."

Like every other Premier League club, Newcastle entered the second phase of training last week. Players are now allowed to tackle and work together in groups of up to 10 ahead of the Premier League's return on June 17.

Catterson said teams are unable to provide players the kind of treatment that would reduce the risk of injury.

"There was an NFL lockout a few years ago and there was an increase in Achilles injuries, so we are looking at that," he said. "We have had players asking if they can have ice baths after training and they can't at the moment; all we can do is give them ice to take home. It's like going back 15 years."

The Premier League's fourth round of testing revealed no new cases of COVID-19. Overall, 12 people have tested positive through 3,882 checks across the top flight.

None of Newcastle's players or staff have tested positive for the virus.

"I am confident now that a Premier League training ground is one of the safest environments around," Catterson said. "There is a big onus on the players - they have to conduct themselves professionally outside of this environment. We are only as strong as our weakest link.

"If anyone doesn't follow the guidance, they put the group at risk."

Players will continue to be tested twice a week to prevent further infection.