Players in the Premiership suffer almost twice as many injuries as their fellow professionals in Spain and Italy - but the reason is more likely to be due to the weather than the style of play.
A UEFA injury study has found that players in three northern European countries (England, Holland and Denmark) picked up injuries far more frequently than those in three southern European nations (Italy, Spain and France).
The difference was only apparent in major injuries causing a month's absence plus those injuries affecting joints and ligaments. There was little difference between north and south when it came to muscle and tendon strains.
And for all of the high tempo of the game in the Premiership, foul play causes more injuries to players in Spain, Italy and Holland than in England.
The study was led by Professor Jan Ekstrand who says in his report: "The risk of injury was almost twice as high in the northern part compared to the southern part of Europe. "This supports the hypothesis that climate affects injury. A cold and rainy climate with subsequently poorer surface conditions - wet and slippery pitches - might increase the risk of ligament and joint injuries as well as overuse injuries."
As a result of Ekstrand's findings, UEFA have put in place an extended study for this season paying closer attention to climate differences.
In terms of injuries caused by foul play, the figure was 28% in Spain, 22% in England and only 7% in France.
PA