Falling foul of injury: research identifies the
real injury time when footballers are
most at risk during a match

Alderley Park, UK – December 4 2025 – ​​​​​For the first time, it has been revealed that the risk of injury to professional footballers in a tournament peaks during a 15-minute danger zone between the 60th and 75th minute of a match (2,3).

This period, dubbed the real injury time, is explained in a new science-led report, commissioned by
Maxwellia’s over-the-counter medicine brand Naprosyn® Pain Relief and based on a review of literature by
sports injury expert Dr Sean Williams, University of Bath. The Real Injury Time report reveals that these 15-
minutes are the period of maximum peril, when the statistical risk of injury reaches its peak, and there’s still
a third of the game to play. Super stars such as Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães (7), PSG’s Ousmane
Dembele (8) and Chelsea right-back Lucy Bronze MBE (9), have all succumbed to injury during this time.

The report also highlights that the real injury time extends painfully beyond match day. The average injury
keeps the pros out of action for a week, but nearly one in five injuries means more than a month side-lined
from the sport they love (10), so getting back in the game is a race against time. This time away hurts, whether
you’re a pro or strictly part-time. Helping to support injury recovery is the name of the game for Naprosyn®
Pain Relief.

Dr Sean Williams, Reader in Applied Statistics & Research Methods, University of Bath, said: “The evidence
shows that following a structured, phase-based approach to rehabilitation, rather than rushing back too
quickly, is crucial for safe return to play. This means protecting the injury initially, then progressively
building strength and function before returning to full training and matches. Professional or amateur,
the rehabilitation principles are the same.”

The Real Injury Time Report findings were compiled from a variety of professional player data sources but
are considered applicable to players at all levels.* The report covers everything from the most common
types of injuries and how they occur, to why they tend to cluster during a particular phase of the second
half, as well as optimal rehabilitation strategies to expedite recovery.

Despite its ‘beautiful game’ moniker, football is one of the most hazardous team sports (11). The 2023/24
Men’s European football season saw a record (4),123 injuries, with the English Premier League (EPL) alone
accounting for 915, a trend that shows no sign of slowing (12). In the current season, more than 80 injuries are
currently recorded in the EPL, with Tottenham Hotspur topping the table (13). Brighton & Hove Albion and
Aston Villa, who face each other on Wednesday 3rd December at the American Express Stadium where the
Real Injury Time report will be officially launched for the first time, have incurred five and two player injuries
at the time of writing.

Sports scientists, pain experts and physiotherapists agree that injury time should be managed through a
five-phased approach to rehabilitation and recovery**, Martin Haines, Chartered Physiotherapist and
Biomechanics Coach suggests “this should start straight after injury and incorporate appropriate pain relief.
A core principle is that pain management should not be used to mask symptoms but can be a helpful support in enabling appropriate rehabilitation and mobility when used correctly and as advised by a pharmacist.”

Anna Maxwell, Founder and CEO of Maxwellia, the makers of Naprosyn® Pain Relief, comments: “The real
injury time is our way of saying to the thousands of players and fans that there is a way to be manage your
pain. We can’t take away Skinner and Baddiel’s thirty years of hurt, but pharmacists can help you get you
back in the game.”

For musculoskeletal injury, Maxwellia’s Naprosyn® Pain Relief is available for the effective relief of short-
term muscle pain, including sprains and strains and as an anti-inflammatory treatment. You can buy it over-
the-counter in pharmacies to support your recovery and help you get back in the game (14).

Naproxen, the active ingredient in Naprosyn® Pain Relief, is a well-established non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drug (NSAID). It offers dual-effect relief, targeting both pain and inflammation, and can provide
powerful lasting relief for up to 12 hours with just one dose (15,16,17). By reducing the chemical messengers that cause inflammation, naproxen addresses the five hallmark signs — pain, swelling, redness, heat and loss of movement; helping people return to their normal activities (18).

The launch of Naprosyn® Pain Relief reflects the mission of Maxwellia, the UK’s only dedicated medicine
“switching” company, to empower people to take control of their health by making proven, effective
prescription medicines available over the counter.

Naprosyn® Pain Relief is indicated for adults aged 18–50 for the relief of acute conditions characterised by
pain and inflammation of the muscles and joints, such as sprains and strains, sporting injuries, lower back
pain, neck pain, or pain in the wrists or feet, and is available to buy now via Boots.com, as well as in Boots stores and high street pharmacies nationwide (14).

Naprosyn® Pain Relief 250mg gastro-resistant tablets. Naproxen. Always read the label.

To learn more, visit naprosynpainrelief.com​​​​