Despite securing a 4-2 win against Nottingham Forest, which contributes to keeping Villa in the running for Champions League qualification, there appears to be no relief when it comes to dealing with injury concerns.
In the first half, with Villa comfortably leading 3-1, there was a notable absence as Pau Torres, recently returned to the squad, did not reappear for the second half.
Unai Emery explained in his post-match press conference that Torres had been withdrawn due to experiencing leg pain.
This setback comes as Torres had only recently returned to match fitness after grappling with an ankle injury sustained in the period leading up to the festive season.
The cautious approach taken with the 27-year-old’s fitness is a hopeful sign, considering his recent return and the need for a thorough recovery.
The absence of Torres was deeply felt, as the team’s performance and results have shown a marked difference when the former Villarreal defender is unavailable.
Despite his significance to the defensive line, details about the full extent of Torres’s injury remain unknown.
The true nature of the setback will only be revealed after a scan scheduled for later this week, leaving Villa uncertain about their options for center-half cover.
The injury concerns are further compounded by the absence of key defensive players such as Tyrone Mings (ACL), Ezri Konsa (Knee sprain), and Diego Carlos (Hamstring). With Torres now potentially joining the list, Villa finds themselves facing a shortage of options in the central defensive positions. In response to these challenges, there has been a surprising recall for Calum Chambers, a player who Emery had previously indicated should leave B6 during the summer of 2023 and the January 2024 transfer windows.
Chambers, once considered surplus to requirements, now emerges as the only recognized backup partner for Clement Lenglet. Lenglet, himself a Barcelona outcast, has gradually begun to make a positive impression with a series of solid performances in a Villa shirt. The club’s defensive depth is being tested, and the reliance on Chambers highlights the unpredictable nature of football, where players once on the fringes can suddenly find themselves thrust into crucial roles.