Aston Villa could now look to unleash academy jewel Kaine Kesler-Hayden amid the latest injury woes that have hit Unai Emery’s defence.
Aston Villa welcomed the international break after recording one point in their previous two Premier League fixtures.
Unai Emery will be keen to get his players back to Bodymoor Heath to prepare what is set to be a thrilling end to the season, with nine games to go in the Premier League to decide the Villans’ Champions League fate.
Unfortunately for the boss, not all of his stars look as though they will slot right back into proceedings in the Midlands, with Matty Cash suffering an injury on international duty.
The Poland international managed to play just 11 minutes against Estonia, hobbling off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Poland manager Michal Probierz gave a worrying update on the 26-year-old’s fitness after the game, saying: “It’s probably a little worse for Matty.”
Unai Emery now has a decision to make amid Matty Cash injury news
It will be difficult news for Emery to digest, given how well Cash influenced the game against West Ham when introduced at halftime.
The right-back took over from Ezri Konsa against the Hammers, seeing both players thrive in their preferred positions, despite the manager’s wishes to play Konsa on the right side.
As documented in reaction to the draw with West Ham, Emery got the best out of the Englishman when playing him in central defence, which could open a door for one academy jewel.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden should be given a chance if Matty Cash is absent
In the summer, Kaine Kesler-Hayden was sent on loan to Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle however, the 21-year-old was recalled by Emery in January.
Now, the Bodymoor Heath product could be handed the perfect opportunity to show his worth, with Villa incredibly short in-depth on the right side of defence.
Konsa’s best position should not be compromised in order to cover for Cash, with a talent like Kesler-Hayden available to show his worth in his favoured area on the pitch.
Lauded as “impressive” by journalist Ashley Preece for his display against Manchester City back in 2022, the youngster has shown that he can challenge against the best in defence.
Despite not having as much experience in the top flight as Cash, the signs are there that Kesler-Hayden can replicate the Poland international’s threat on the right side.
Emery has echoed the similarity himself, speaking highly of the 21-year-old after making the decision to recall him.
“We needed one player with his characteristics as a right full-back, the only player to play like that is Matty Cash and now with Kaine we have two.”
After seeing how well Konsa operated in central defence, it would be a strong decision for the manager to leave the Englishman in the middle to give Kesler-Hayden a run at right-back.
Giving the youngster an opportunity could work out to be a decisive move for Emery, who has been short of options at right-back all season.
