Many young football stars have shown immense promise early in their careers, only to have their progress delayed by injuries. While these setbacks can be discouraging, some of these players have managed to recover and reignite their careers. Below are some notable rising stars whose careers were temporarily hindered by injuries:

1. Marco Reus (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)

• Injury Setbacks: Marco Reus is often cited as one of the most talented players to have faced persistent injury problems. Injuries, including ligament tears and muscle strains, have plagued his career at key moments. He missed out on the 2014 World Cup due to a torn ligament, and he has faced several injuries since, including ankle problems that have interrupted his form.
• Comeback: Despite these setbacks, Reus has remained a key player for Borussia Dortmund and is still one of the Bundesliga’s most skilled attacking players. Though injuries have hindered his international career, he continues to perform at a high level at club level.

2. Ousmane Dembélé (France, Barcelona)

• Injury Setbacks: Since joining Barcelona in 2017, Ousmane Dembélé has struggled with injuries, particularly hamstring issues, that have frequently interrupted his progress. He has often been sidelined for months at a time, missing key fixtures for both Barcelona and the French national team.
• Comeback: Despite his injury troubles, Dembélé has shown glimpses of his immense potential when fully fit. His pace, dribbling, and creativity have earned him a place in the starting lineup at Barcelona, and he has been part of France’s successful national team in recent years.

3. James Rodríguez (Colombia, Al-Rayyan)

• Injury Setbacks: James Rodríguez, once considered one of the brightest stars in world football, has faced several injury issues over the years, which delayed his rise. A knee injury and other muscular issues affected his consistency, limiting his opportunities at Real Madrid and later at Everton.
• Comeback: While Rodríguez has never quite regained the form that saw him shine at the 2014 World Cup, his talent is undeniable. Though his career has been slower in recent years, he remains a technically gifted player and is now playing in the Qatari league with Al-Rayyan, still capable of producing moments of brilliance.

4. Wilfred Zaha (Ivory Coast, Crystal Palace)

• Injury Setbacks: Zaha’s career has been occasionally delayed by injuries that kept him sidelined for parts of several seasons. Early in his career, he faced knee and hamstring injuries that prevented him from reaching his potential during his first few years in the Premier League.
• Comeback: After overcoming these setbacks, Zaha has become a key figure at Crystal Palace. His skill and pace have made him one of the most influential wingers in the Premier League. While his injuries have been a hindrance, he has maintained a level of consistency and is still regarded as a top player in the Premier League.

5. Ricardo Rodríguez (Switzerland, PSV Eindhoven)

• Injury Setbacks: Ricardo Rodríguez was once considered one of Europe’s most exciting left-backs, with a promising future ahead of him. However, a series of injuries, including ankle and knee problems, set back his development and slowed his rise at the top level.
• Comeback: Despite these setbacks, Rodríguez has found a place at PSV Eindhoven, continuing his career at a high level. He has been an important player for the Swiss national team and is still a reliable and experienced defender at the club level.

6. Alexandre Lacazette (France, Olympique Lyon)

• Injury Setbacks: Lacazette’s rise at Lyon was somewhat delayed by knee injuries and muscle problems early in his career, particularly when he was first breaking through into the senior team. These injuries slowed his progress and at one point, caused concern over his long-term fitness.
• Comeback: Lacazette eventually made a successful comeback, enjoying his most prolific seasons at Lyon before moving to Arsenal. His injury history seems to be behind him now, and he’s continued to play at a high level, particularly after returning to Lyon in 2022.

7. Diego Laínez (Mexico, Real Betis)

• Injury Setbacks: Mexican winger Diego Laínez has shown immense promise since his move to Europe, but injuries have frequently delayed his rise. He has dealt with muscle injuries and issues that have limited his appearances at Real Betis and hindered his chances of breaking through to the top level in Spain.
• Comeback: Despite these injuries, Laínez has remained a talented and skillful player, and after a loan spell with the Portuguese club Sporting CP in 2023, he has the potential to establish himself in Europe once again if he can stay injury-free.

8. Christian Pulisic (USA, Chelsea)

• Injury Setbacks: Christian Pulisic has been one of the most exciting young talents in American football, but injuries have hampered his development since his big move to Chelsea. Hamstring injuries, in particular, have kept him out of action for significant periods, preventing him from establishing himself as a regular starter for the Blues.
• Comeback: Despite the injury setbacks, Pulisic is still a key player for Chelsea, known for his dribbling, speed, and creativity. His form has been inconsistent due to injuries, but when fully fit, he’s shown he can be a game-changer in the Premier League and for the U.S. national team.

9. Angel Gomes (England, Lille)

• Injury Setbacks: Angel Gomes, once a standout youth player for Manchester United, had his development delayed by injuries at crucial stages of his career. His time at Manchester United was marred by inconsistent appearances due to injury and a lack of match fitness, preventing him from making the breakthrough many expected.
• Comeback: After joining Lille in France, Gomes has regained his confidence and form, showing flashes of the talent that made him a top prospect. He still has a chance to re-establish himself as a major talent in European football if he can avoid further injury setbacks.

10. Philippe Coutinho (Brazil, Aston Villa)

• Injury Setbacks: Coutinho’s career took a hit with injuries during his time at Barcelona. After leaving Liverpool, he struggled with consistency, particularly due to knee and muscle injuries that prevented him from maintaining his top-level performances.
• Comeback: After a loan spell at Aston Villa, Coutinho has shown flashes of his former brilliance, but injuries have continued to disrupt his rhythm. If he can maintain fitness, there’s still hope that he could return to his peak form and contribute to Villa’s ambitions in the Premier League.