When Arsenal Football Club announced that new signing Jurrien Timber would face an extended absence due to a serious knee injury sustained during his Premier League debut, sports fans began to question the recent surge of similar injuries among top athletes.

The Dutch defender, who joined the North London club just last month, will undergo a lengthy rehabilitation process akin to that of Real Madrid players Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, both of whom also suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries during pre-season training.

Timber isn’t alone in this predicament.

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, a marquee summer signing, is dealing with a similar injury, while his teammate Wesley Fofana had ACL surgery last month.

Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings also suffered a significant ACL injury on the Premier League’s opening day.

The Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, concluding on Sunday, has seen 30 top players sidelined due to ACL tears, including England’s Leah Williamson and Beth Mead.