How long does a hamstring injury take to heal? Recovery times and possible return dates explained

While the seasonal fixture calendar seems to grow each and every year - most recently through the introduction the league phase of UEFA competitions in 2024-25 and the extended Club World Cup in the summer - the physical demands on players grow in equal measure, inevitably leading to injuries.

Additionally, as more teams than ever adopt increasingly intense playstyles that involve pressing throughout the team, hamstring injuries in particular are becoming more common.

Such injuries almost always demand that players spend some time on the sidelines, but the length of the downtime can vary significantly depending on the severity of the damage.

On the lower end of the scale, individuals may only be in minor discomfort due to a strain, but more extensive issues can require surgery, meaning that those affected need to endure months of recovery.

Here, Sports Mole answers the question in detail: How long does a hamstring injury take to heal?

What is a hamstring injury?

Hamstrings are tendons (strong bands of tissue) at the back of the thighs (above the knee) that attach the large thigh muscle to the bone. They are voluntary muscles, meaning you control how they move for walking, running, climbing, squatting and more.

Each hamstring consists of three muscles side by side that run along the back of the thigh, from the hip to just below the knee: the semimembranosus and semitendinosus are positioned on the left and right respectively (looking from the back) and the bicep femoris is located in the middle.

A hamstring injury is a strain or tear to the tendons or large muscles at the back of the thigh, and they occur when tendons or muscles are stretched beyond their capacity when performing a movement.

How long does a hamstring injury take to heal?

Hamstring injuries are typically classified into three grades based on severity: Grade 1 (mild), Grade 2 (moderate) and Grade 3 (severe).

Grade 1 hamstring injuries are typically a mild strain or pull with minimal pain and limited loss of function.

Recovery can be as quick as a few days to a couple of weeks.

Grade 2 hamstring injuries are a partial tear of the muscle or tendon, causing more significant pain, swelling and bruising. Difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected leg is also common.

Recovery can take between three to six weeks.

Grade 3 hamstring injuries are a complete tear of the muscle or tendon, resulting in severe pain, swelling, bruising, and a noticeable loss of strength and function, with the ability to walk both painful and difficult. On some occasions, there may have also been a ‘popping’ sensation at the time of the injury.

Athletes may be required to undergo surgery and extensive rehabilitation to mend the damage, and a full recovery can take at least eight weeks.

What are the risks of returning early from a hamstring injury?

Athletes that return early from a hamstring injury may significantly increase the risk of re-injury, regardless of the athlete's age, though older athletes coming towards the end of their careers could face additional challenges such as slower healing and muscle imbalances.

On the flip side, avoiding exercise for too long can result in your hamstring muscles shrinking and scar tissue forming around the tear.

Depending on the severity of the injury, athletes are advised to gently stretch the affected hamstring a few days into recovery when the pain has begun to subside. A programme of gentle exercise, such as walking or cycling, can follow before carrying out hamstring strengthening exercises.

Athletes should only return to action once they have made a full recovery and the hamstring muscle is deemed strong enough to perform.

One of the most high-profile examples concerns former England international, Real Madrid and Liverpool star Michael Owen.

The legendary forward has previously spoken about how his hamstring rupture at 19 went on to have long-term consequences on his speed and career. He felt the injury never fully healed in the way required for top level football, and he admitted that this was a turning point in his development.

Another former Liverpool forward, Fernando Torres, also endured serious hamstring issues. The Spaniard suffered three hamstring injuries in the 2008-09 season alone, with these strains often cited as the moment when the striker began to experience a significant dip in performances and his effectiveness.

Former PSG and Barcelona forward Neymar Jr missed a number of games in 2024 and 2025 due to recurring hamstring injuries.

How long does a hamstring injury take to heal? Recovery times and possible return dates explained

What is a hamstring injury?

How long does a hamstring injury take to heal?

What are the risks of returning early from a hamstring injury?

Football injury recovery guides