It seems I can keep posting these stats forever and no one reads them. He's had 1 serious injury, that's it!
17/18 Hamstring Injury Nov 2, 2017 Mar 11, 2018 129 days 29
16/17 Knee injury Oct 17, 2016 Dec 1, 2016 45 days 9
14/15 Hamstring Injury Jan 12, 2015 Mar 2, 2015 49 days 8
14/15 Thigh problems Sep 18, 2014 Sep 25, 2014 7 days 2
12/13 groin strain Nov 12, 2012 Nov 19, 2012 7 days 1
11/12 Strain in the thigh and gluteal muscles Jan 23, 2012 Feb 9, 2012 17 days 2
11/12 Thigh problems Dec 5, 2011 Jan 2, 2012 28 days 3
11/12 Malleolar injury Oct 3, 2011 Oct 13, 2011 10 days
45 days is a lengthy absence, as is 49. In his 4 seasons in the Premier League, 3 of those he has had lengthy spells on the sidelines, and his most recent one being the worst one yet.
He's a very good player when he's on the pitch, but it's not outrageous to consider him a bit of a risk given his most recent injury. Between Bailly, Rojo and Jones, we have more than enough defenders who can't really be depended on to be fit. If Alderweireld hadn't have been out for such a spell this season, it'd be a no brainer, but he's looked a bit ropey in those few games he played since returning. £40m for a 29 year old just coming off the back of missing over half the season is a risk.
