Injury Report: Major Players Out This Season (2024/2025)

The 2024/2025 season across major sports leagues has greatly affected the shape of the season by the increasing number of key and vital players being side-lined after picking up an injury.  From football to basketball, also from the NFL to NHL, the rise in injuries has one way or another affected the race for titles, obstructing promising campaigns, and forcing aches to take a deep dig into their rosters.

In this article, we will be highlighting reports on major players who have been ruled out for the 2024/2025 season as of April 2025. Whether you are monitoring your team’s hope going on to win titles or analysing the depth of the squads for fantasy leagues, this article would give an insight into all the major players missing in action. 

Football (Soccer): Key Absentees Impacting Title and European Races

Ferland Mendy – Real Madrid

Ferland Mendy’s continuity with his team this season has been halted once again by injury, the Real Madrid full-back recently picked up an injury which is a rupture of the proximal tendon of the anterior rectus in his right quadriceps. 

He picked up this injury in the encounter against football club Barcelona at the Copa del  Rey final. He is expected to be out for several weeks which could potentially mean he would be out for the season as the 2024/2025 season gradually nears its end. 

Mendy had just recovered from having constant hamstring issues, making this a frustrating blow for both the player and the club.

Also Read:  Injury Report: Major Players Out This Season (2024/2025)

Impact: Mendy’s absence would affect the Madrid squad generally as it would weaken their back line which would affect the stability and output of the defense, especially when meeting a strong or tough opponent.

Gabriel Magalhaes– Arsenal

Arsenal defender Gabriel will miss the remainder of the season after the club confirmed he requires hamstring surgery. Gabi will undergo a surgical repair  procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation program, to be ready for the start of next season,” the club said.

Impact: Gabriel’s absence could have a significant impact on the team, with the website Premier League Injuries reporting that Arsenal’s win percentage drops significantly when he does not feature.

Lucas Hernández – Paris Saint-Germain

Lucas Hernandez who is a player of Luis Enrique Paris Saint Germain team developed a serious knee injury and has been ruled out for the season.

PSG at the moment has to do without the services of Lucas Hernandez who is a mainstay in PSG’s backline, impacting their tactical flexibility, especially against top-tier football clubs.

Impact: This would be a great loss for the PSGs as they are increasingly stretched, especially in European competitions.

Oihan Sancet – Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao top scorer Oihan Sancet, is currently injured as he picked up a thigh injury which has ruled him out of their Europa Semifinals match against Manchester United.  Having scored 12 goals in the Spanish league (la liga) this season, Sanchez has been an outstanding performer and a vital player in the athletic squad.

Impact: His absence is a big loss especially as they look to book a spot in the Europa League final and this could be a decisive factor in their hope to win the European title this season.

NBA: Stars Sidelined Ahead of Playoff Battles

Damian Lillard – Milwaukee Bucks

The injury of Damian Lillard seems to be one of the biggest stories in circulation this season. Lilliard picked up a torn Achilles in the 4th game of the Buck playoff series against the Pacers just after returning from a calf injury.  The injury has ruled him out of this season and questions his availability for the start of the 2025/2026 season.

Impact: The hopes of the Bucks’ playoffs would have relatively dropped without the presence of their clutch shooter.

Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers

In the early months of this season, Kawhi Leonard missed some matches after picking up an inflammation in his right knee. Briefly after the injury he did return to action but wasn’t stable as he pulled away due to family matters. Although he returned late in the season and has been relatively solid, his health remains a cause for concern.

Impact: The Clippers fans are in great anticipation, as they know how impactful a healthy Kawhi is to their championship aspirations.

Jaylen Wells – Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies’ rookie standout, Jaylen Wells, fractured his right wrist on April 8. Averaging over 10 points per game, he had been in the spotlight for Memphis who had been experiencing a challenging year.  Unfortunately, as the season reached its final stretch he picked up an injury that ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Impact: His development has been delayed, and Memphis loses a key contributor during rebuilding.

Paul George – Philadelphia 76ers

Paul has been ruled out of the season after picking up an injury in March as he is dealing with adductor and knee injuries. Across 41 games before he picked up an injury he averaged 16.2 points.

Impact: The absence of George would be a great test for the 76ers, especially with Maxey also managing injuries.

Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns

In November, Kevin Durant suffered a left calf strain which made him miss a part of the season. His minutes have been significantly managed as the Suns look to preserve him for the postseason and the 2025/2026 season.

Impact: Durant is a key player and his slow start and management this season have hindered the chemistry of the Suns’ regular season.

Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Maxey, also a player of the Philadelphia 76ers, also picked up a hamstring strain in late March. Maxey was emerging as one of the NBA’s top young guards and had been enjoying a break year suddenly picked up an injury and this would be a great loss to the team.

Impact: Maxey’s absence has generally reduced the pace and offensive rhythm of Philadelphia’s team.

NFL: Injuries Derailing Super Bowl Contenders

Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey, arguably the NFL’s best running back, picked up several injuries this season, including a calf/Achilles issue and also a PCL tear. 

These injuries reduced and limited his participation in playing both regular season games and the playoffs. It also placed him on IR severally.

Impact: A really big blow for the 49ers as they had to depend on backups during key fixtures, and this significantly affected their playoff run.

NHL: Blows to Championship Contenders

Jack Hughes – New Jersey Devils

While having a career-best season, Devils ‘ star Jack’s run was put to a halt after undergoing shoulder surgery in March. Hughes who led his team in goals was a major catalyst in their offensive play.

Impact: The absence of Hughes in the team would significantly reduce their chances in the playoffs.

Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers

Tkachuk was placed on LTIR after suffering a groin injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Although the Panthers are hopeful about a playoff return, he’s been a huge miss in the regular season.

Impact: Florida has struggled to maintain consistent form without their aggressive forward.

Adam Fox – New York Rangers

Adam Fox, unarguably the best defenseman in the Rangers team, picked up an upper-body injury in February and was placed on IR. His absence has forced the team to adjust their blue-line pairings and defensive strategy.

Impact: New York’s ability to close out games late has suffered without Fox’s presence.

Roman Josi – Nashville Predators

Roman Josi was also placed on injured reserve following an upper-body injury sustained in a controversial hit. Josi is not only the Predators’ captain but also their power-play quarterback.

Impact: Nashville’s defense has lacked leadership and distribution from the back.

Long-Term Recovery and Setbacks

Several other players across leagues are also recovering from long-term issues:

Zion Williamson (NBA)

Hamstring strain in November, limited appearances throughout the season.

Ja Morant (NBA)

Multiple injuries including an AC joint sprain, limiting his contributions.

Jrue Holiday (NBA)

Physical toll from playoff basketball keeping him on day-to-day watch.

Lucas Hernández (PSG)

His long-term injury dates back to late 2024 but has kept him out all season.

Club and Fan Reactions

Injuries have tested the patience and strategic planning of clubs and fans alike. Top teams have been forced to use backup players in key matches, rotate formations, and even adapt their transfer market.

Examples are teams like Arsenal, Real Madrid, and PSG whose season would have been generally different if they had their full squad available all through the season.

The injury spike has been related to the congestion of fixtures and Insufficient recovery time as analyzed by Coaches, medical staff and sports analysts.

Conclusion on These Season of Setbacks

The 2024/2025 sports season will be remembered not just for the titles and records, but also for the high number of influential players lost to injury.

Whether it’s the NBA playoffs, the Champions League final stretch, or the Stanley Cup run-in, these absences are shaping outcomes at the highest level.

Fans can only hope that these stars make full recoveries and return stronger for the next campaign. In the meantime, their teams must learn to survive and perhaps even thrive without them.