There’s Just Too Much Load on Players — Dr. Prince Pambo Warns of Rising Injury Crisis in Football

Black Stars team doctor Dr. Prince Pambo has attributed the growing number of injuries in modern football to excessive player workload, warning that the increasing demands of the game are placing athletes under unprecedented physical strain.

Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey, the sports medicine specialist said the rise in serious injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, is closely linked to the amount of football players are required to play throughout the season.

“If you know what is happening to the game now, you as a doctor would feel bad. The problem is load. There’s just too much load on the players,” Dr. Pambo said.

According to him, football authorities and player unions around the world have become increasingly concerned about the packed football calendar and its impact on athlete welfare.

“The Professional Footballers Association and others are trying to fight this because the workload on players should be reduced,” he noted.

Dr. Pambo explained that while some injuries are unavoidable, clubs and technical teams can contribute to injury risks when training conditions and recovery processes are poorly managed.

“If your pitch is not good and you’re having certain injuries, then you are contributing to the problem,” he said.

He added that coaches who overload players without adequate recovery periods also increase the likelihood of injuries.

“If you have a coach who decides to train for two hours in the morning and another two hours in the evening, and the players are not hydrating well, then you will have injuries,” he explained.

The Black Stars doctor stressed that medical teams have a responsibility to advise coaches on training intensity and player welfare.

“It is an indictment on the medical team if they fail to advise the coach on regulating the training load,” he said.

Dr. Pambo also highlighted hydration as one of the most overlooked aspects of injury prevention.

“You don’t want your muscles and ligaments to dry up. Water helps everything remain flexible and allows the joints to move properly,” he said.

Beyond the physical demands of the sport, the sports physician revealed that players also face immense public pressure, particularly when representing their countries.

“You put too much pressure on the players,” he said, noting that criticism from supporters and media can affect athletes and their families alike.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Pambo praised the professionalism of modern footballers, saying most players strictly follow rehabilitation programmes and medical advice because they understand what is at stake in their careers.

“If you don’t follow the recovery plan, it’s your loss,” he said.

Drawing on his years of experience with Ghana’s national teams, Dr. Pambo said one of the most rewarding aspects of his job remains helping injured players return to action.

“It’s always a very good feeling when a player you’ve worked hard to recover gets back on the field and performs well,” he said.

His comments come amid growing global concern over player welfare, with football stakeholders increasingly debating fixture congestion, recovery periods and the long-term health consequences of the modern game.