## 4 Discussion  
This study aimed to explore interlimb asymmetries using a comprehensive battery of neuromuscular and range of motion tests in injured and healthy semiprofessional soccer players and to establish an optimal method for assessing asymmetries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the interlimb asymmetries (in such a complete battery of tests) in the CM), squat velocity and power, isometric and isokinetic maximal strength, and range of movement and establish their relationship with the presence of injury in semiprofessional soccer players. The main results of the present study show that the healthy group had a greater range of motion in the hip extension and ankle flexion of the dominant leg and hip abduction and knee flexion of the non-dominant leg. However, the injured group exhibited greater asymmetry in maximum isometric hip abduction strength. Nonetheless, no differences were found in the other measures of asymmetry compared between the players who suffered an injury and those who did not. Although we observed some differences, it is important to highlight that the small sample size, particularly the five injured players, limits the generalizability of these findings, and this study should be viewed as an exploratory analysis. A focus on neuromuscular values in specific tests is required to determine whether an athlete is ready to train and compete [40], as prematurely returning to play without being adequately prepared may contribute to the explanation of the high risk of recurrent injuries in soccer [41]. Therefore, restoring pre-injury values is crucial to performing at the highest level and reducing the injury risk during match-play [42], emphasizing a controlled rehabilitation process in which players regain full range of motion, coordination, and at least 90% of their muscle strength before returning to play [43]. The results of our study showed that healthy players had a greater range of motion in hip extension and ankle flexion in the dominant leg and in hip abduction and knee flexion in the non-dominant leg compared to injured players. These differences could be explained by the demands of soccer as a team sport, which require players to perform a series of high-intensity repeated movements such as sudden accelerations and decelerations, quick changes of direction, jumps, and landing tasks [1]. These movements impose strong concentric and eccentric loads on the hip, knee, and ankle joints in shortened and contracted positions [44]. Since these actions are performed several times during training sessions and matches, the reduced range of motion in both the dominant and non-dominant leg joints may have influenced the occurrence of injuries in these players. Therefore, it might be interesting for strength and conditioning specialists to conduct a specific assessment to determine when the player is ready to return to compete once injured. Previous research has analyzed interlimb strength asymmetries in soccer players [9; 45], proposing a threshold of 10-15% asymmetry as an injury risk factor [46]. The mean overall values in our study are below this threshold, and this could be mediating the results obtained. However, the presence of population thresholds for asymmetries and injury risk is under debate, and a more individual approach should be adopted. As proposed by a previous study [12], asymmetries can be considered common in asymmetric sports and be