ok here's my two cents re: increased injuries over the past 2-3 seasons.
The boys are playing much, much harder than average, i think, due to;
a.) other players being injured
b.) increased expectations for performance (league position, UEFA/Europa)
Its a vicious cycle.
We've got a pretty loyal bunch and i do think they (most of them, most of the time) give all they've got when they get out there.