Premier League's restart hamstrung by injury fears

A deluge of football may be welcomed by fans starved of live action for three months. But it is expected to take a heavy toll on players hit by the combination of a long layoff, little contact training, fixture congestion and less hands-on treatment.

"We are expecting more injuries at this time," Newcastle club doctor Paul Catterson told the BBC.

"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. It's like going back 15 years."

The injury risk is of particular concern for those players who are out of contract at the end of the season and fearing for their future.

Championship side Charlton will be without top scorer Lyle Taylor for their battle against relegation as the 30-year-old has decided not to play and put a lucrative move at risk.