Football players prone to injury could soon be sidelined as new biomedical software promises to predict who is most likely to be unfit to play.

The software, developed by Computer Associates, predicts how likely players are to pick up injuries based on data collected over a period of time.

"When players do physicals, the examiners are faced with long lists of metrics such as pulse and recovery rate but translating them into information about present and future fitness is difficult," Computer Associate's Vice President told Computing magazine.

The software will be trialled at Italy's AC Milan where the club has been frustrated by expensive signings who are unable to play due to injury.

Accurate

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AC Milan's sports psychologist told Computing he hoped the new system would organise fitness better and protect the clubs most valuable assets - the players.

The software can prevent footballers suffering long-term injuries by spotting problems early, said Computer Associates.

The software firm claims the technology is over 70% accurate and is already in discussion with several European clubs who have shown an interest in using it.

As transfer fees skyrocket, it will become ever more important to make sure that expensive players are fit before signing them up.