Sport Injury Profile and Influence of Playing Position in Egyptian Professional Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Despite soccer's popularity in Egypt, no comprehensive epidemiological studies have examined injury distribution by playing position.

PURPOSE: To characterize the injury profile of Egyptian professional soccer players and assess differences by playing position.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted across 12 soccer clubs in the Egyptian professional league during the 2022 to 2023 season. Player exposure was recorded using a standardized form. Injuries were documented by medical staff. Data were collected on player demographics, injury profile, and diagnostic modalities. Associations between categorical injury variables and position were assessed using chi-square tests with Cramér V, followed by post hoc analysis using adjusted residuals.

RESULTS

Among 384 male players, midfielders were the largest group (38.5%), followed by forwards (27.9%), defenders (22.1%), and goalkeepers (11.5%). There were 422 time-loss injuries (incidence: 2.36/1000 player-hours). Goalkeepers were taller (182 ± 5 cm) and heavier (74.5 ± 3.9 kg) than defenders (178 ± 4 cm; 70.2 ± 5.1 kg), midfielders (175 ± 3 cm; 67.2 ± 4.8 kg), and forwards (175 ± 4 cm; 67.1 ± 5.5 kg); all P < .001. Exposure hours differed by position (P = .007): goalkeepers, 403.7 ± 112.9 h; defenders, 405.1 ± 108.5 h; midfielders, 447.3 ± 106.7 h; and forwards, 411.8 ± 108.9 h. Injury incidence showed no positional variation (P = .07): goalkeepers, 2.54 (IQR, 2.1-3.2); defenders, 2.38 (IQR, 2.2-3.2); midfielders, 2.19 (IQR, 1.9-3.1); and forwards, 2.38 (IQR, 2.1-3.2) per 1000 h. Goalkeepers sustained more nervous system/soft tissue injuries, upper limb/head injuries, contact injuries, first-time training injuries, and minimal degree injuries, and were more often diagnosed by imaging. Among outfield players, defenders were taller and heavier, midfielders had more overstretch injuries with shorter layoffs, and forwards had more severe injuries. Outfield injuries relied more on clinical assessment (36.1%).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that injury patterns among Egyptian professional soccer players vary significantly by playing position. While muscle/tendon and lower limb injuries are common overall, the 4 positions exhibit distinct anthropometric, injury mechanism, site, severity, and diagnostic profiles. These findings recommend position-specific injury prevention and rehabilitation in Egyptian professional soccer.