What is a common risk of allowing athletes to return to play before injuries have healed?

The option highlighting further injury due to tissue damage is correct because allowing athletes to return to play before their injuries have fully healed can lead to an exacerbation of the original condition or result in new injuries. When an athlete resumes physical activity too soon, the affected tissues—whether muscle, ligament, or tendon—may still be in a weakened state. This can compromise their ability to perform movements safely and effectively, leading to a higher likelihood of a more severe injury or complications that could prolong recovery time.

Injury rehabilitation is a critical process that ensures the tissues regain strength and functional integrity. Rushing this process could impede both physical health and athletic performance.

The other options, while positive aspects of being part of a team and participating in sports, do not directly address the physical risks associated with premature return from an injury. Increased skill development, improved team cohesion, and greater focus on game strategies are all beneficial outcomes of training and teamwork, but they do not outweigh the importance of ensuring an athlete is fully healed to minimize the risk of future injuries.