The 10 unluckiest players in the Premier League so far

The season is only a matter of weeks old, yet for some players, their prospects have dramatically changed. There is nothing more cruel for a player than the misfortune of when injury strikes.

Sadly the injuries have been piling up thick and fast already this season, some more severe than others. Here is a look at the 10 players who can lay claim to being the most unlucky in the Premier League so far, with not even a month gone.

Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor's season is practically ruined before it really got started. The left-back suffered a knee injury in Newcastle's Europa League tie against Atromitos which is expected to keep him out until at least March. The injury happened one night before the transfer deadline closed leaving Newcastle with almost no time to sign a replacement.

Neil Taylor

In the summer Neil Taylor was part of the Great Britain team which played at the Olympic games, and was even linked with Manchester United. The Swansea full-back suffered a broken and dislocated ankle in the club's 2-2 draw with Sunderland. He has just undergone an operation and is not expected to feature at all again this season.

Wayne Rooney

In some ways Wayne Rooney is a lucky man, he told papers that the cut he sustained to his thigh missed an artery by millimetres. Even so, the deep gash he suffered was the definition of a freak injury. Hugo Rodallega's stud landed on him after a challenge slicing into his leg. The United mantle has been handed over to Robin van Persie and Rooney will be desperate to get back.

Younes Kaboul

Younes Kaboul was a regular for Tottenham last season and a consistent performer, but he is unlikely to feature for his club until mid-December. He sustained a knee injury in training and with new boy Jan Vertonghen likely to settle, he faces a fight to regain his place, with Gallas, Caulker, and Dawson also in the queue.

Lucas Leiva

Liverpool's poor form last season coincided with Lucas' injury, so they were loathe to see him pull up injured against Manchester City. It must be far worse for the player himself, after battling back from a serious knee injury, to now suffer a muscle strain which will keep him out until November.

Phil Jones

With injuries to other defenders, the route into Manchester United's first team had appeared to be opening up for Phil Jones. He was to be denied the opportunity when he suffered a back injury in early August, and now he has had to undergo a knee operation which will keep him out for eight weeks.

Andy Carroll

Poor Andy Carroll finally moved away to Liverpool on loan after it was made clear by Brendan Rodgers he was not wanted, and the striker got of to a great start, setting up a goal for pal Kevin Nolan. Then it was frustration as his hamstring flared up, meaning he will be out of action for over a month. He needs a big season and can't afford any more setbacks.

Gary Gardner

Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner is the club's most highly rated youngster, and scored six goals in the NextGen Series last season, more than any other English player. He also broke into Villa's first team and had high hopes to kick on this season, but a serious knee injury will keep him out until next March at the earliest.

Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli would have been keen to impress for City this season after his up and down campaign last year, and with Sergio Aguero out he would have hoped to take his chances. He is yet to register a goal, and now must undergo an eye operation and is expected to be out until late September. Aguero is making a quick recovery and could be back before then, and will surely go back into the starting line-up.

Chris Smalling

For Chris Smalling the injury problems never end. 2012 has been terrible for him. He started it with illness, hit his head playing for England and ended up with severe concussion. He is unlikely to play this season until October, after suffering a metatarsal injury and will hope his luck turns soon.

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