Aston Villa’s Pau Torres Out for Two Months with Foot Injury
Aston Villa defender Pau Torres will be sidelined for approximately two months after suffering a metatarsal fracture, manager Unai Emery confirmed ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City.
The 27-year-old Spaniard sustained the injury during the early stages of Villa’s 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday. Torres was seen leaving Villa Park on crutches after clearing the ball in the first half. Scans later revealed a fracture in his fourth metatarsal.
“Torres broke his fourth metatarsal and he’s going to be out for, more or less, two months,” Emery told reporters on Friday. Torres has been a vital part of Villa’s lineup this season, starting 18 of their 19 league matches and featuring in every Champions League game.
Villa’s Injury and Suspension Woes
Villa is dealing with additional setbacks as they prepare to host Leicester. Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene are sidelined with minor injuries, while Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran are unavailable due to suspensions:
- Morgan Rogers: Serving a one-match ban after accumulating five yellow cards.
- Jhon Duran: Suspended for the second of a three-match ban following a red card for violent conduct during Villa’s 3-0 Boxing Day defeat to Newcastle United.
Villa’s Mixed Season
Aston Villa currently sits ninth in the Premier League with 29 points and fifth in their European group with 13 points. Despite some promising moments, Emery admitted the team’s performance in the first half of the season has room for improvement. “We’re not thinking we’re bad, but we could be better,” Emery said, emphasizing that the Premier League remains the club’s top priority.
Transfer Window Plans
With the January transfer window open, Emery hinted at potential moves to strengthen the squad. “The club is moving forward to try to increase our level in the squad in case we can sign new players,” he said. Emery also mentioned the possibility of Jaden Philogene, a 22-year-old Villa Academy product, leaving the club. “For January, there could be one option for Philogene to leave,” Emery added.
Villa’s focus now shifts to managing their depleted squad as they aim to bounce back from recent setbacks and build momentum for the second half of the season.
