Aston Villa hit by injury blow to key player – ‘He felt a lot of discomfort’
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has been handed another injury blow during the international break, before his side return to action against Leeds United.
Defender Ezri Konsa pulled out of the England squad and did not feature in the Three Lions’ win over Albania.
Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana will also not play for Belgium against Liechtenstein, meaning Emery could be without three key players for the trip to Elland Road.
Aston Villa’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth before the international break means Emery’s team sit sixth in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
Matty Cash misses Poland win
As per Sport Witness, [18 November], Poland manager Jan Urban left Aston Villa defender Matty Cash out of the country’s 3-2 win over Malta in World Cup qualifying.
Explaining the decision, Urban said: “Cash’s replacement is due to a minor injury. He felt quite a lot of discomfort during training.
“This is the kind of match where we don’t want to risk the player’s health.”
Who plays right-back in Matty Cash absence?
Cash was rewarded with a new Aston Villa contract for his performances this season, with the 28-year-old having started every Premier League game for the club so far.
| Minutes Played | 968 |
| Duels Won % | 45.8% |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 45% |
| Tackles | 18 |
| Dribbled Past | 12 |
With fellow right-back Andres Garcia out injured, Cash’s absence will be felt if he is not fit to face Leeds.
Konsa has played right-back before, but the 28-year-old may also be out injured, so Emery could face a tricky dilemma.