2.1 IntroductionSports injuries can be a very stressful, emotional and sensitive time for an athlete. Whether the athlete is recreational or elite, the prevalence of injuries can be a traumatic and distressing experience. For competitive athletes in particular, there may be increased levels of despair, frustration, fury and confusion with additional effects such as loss of confidence and fear of returning to play (Evans et al 2006). According to Marjorie (1997), the occurrence of an injury not only temporarily disables, but places the athlete in a world without guarantees or predictable outcomes. Injury rehabilitation is a vital component that allows injured athletes to return to their previous fitness levels and return to playing their chosen sport. However, a barrier to an athlete's performance and comeback may be due to the psychological images, thoughts, and judgments that fill the athlete's head. Sports injuries are extremely common and have enormous prevalence rates worldwide. According to Nicholl et al (2003), an estimated 29.7 million sports injuries occur in Ireland and the British Isles and a total of €991 million can be attributed to treatment and lost working days . Walden et al (2005) found in a prospective study that the injury frequency among international elite soccer players was 9.4 injuries per 1,000 hours of sporting activity of any kind. Additionally, Hagglund (2007) reported that 65-95% of players suffered at least one injury per year. Indeed, the sporting environment exerts frequent and rigorous pressure on the body and almost universally implies the acceptance of a risk of injury, such universality not being evident in other professional spheres (Flint 1998). Participation in sports is ex......amidst paper......recreational activities. (Emery, 200?). Although sports injuries are a growing health problem, little research has been conducted on the psychological antecedents of perceived sports injury risk. (Silex, 1998). Despite enormous advances in medical treatments that have dramatically shortened the time needed for physical recovery from an injury, too often essential psychological responses are forgotten. This results in athletes who are ready to return to sporting activity but who are not yet psychologically recovered. Keeping in mind the fears of recurrence and prevention, this present study further aims to explore the psychological process involved in injured athletes facing injuries. It attempts to further examine whether those who are physically ready to return to sport also possess the psychological preparation that is too often forgotten..