Aston Villa fans will have mixed feelings over this international break.
Unai Emery’s side had lost four games in a row and, for that reason, it was the right time to reset and recharge ahead of a gruelling winter period.
But several Aston Villa players have picked up injuries during this past week and it is set to weaken the side ahead of the return of Premier League football and the Champions League.
Amadou Onana will be sidelined and is expected to miss ‘two to three weeks’ after getting injured for Belgium.
Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen and Ezri Konsa have also returned early, with Ross Barkley, Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey and Youri Tielemans also injury concerns or already sidelined.
But then others have impressed for their country, such as John McGinn scoring for Scotland, and adding some much-needed life and confidence to his game.
But, on Sunday evening, a certain Lucas Digne stole the headlines from everyone.
Lucas Digne reacts to France’s win over Italy
One of Villa’s most consistent performers is Digne and he started France’s 3-1 over Italy in the UEFA Nations League at the San Siro.
The 31-year-old didn’t disappoint and within minutes, he was assisting the opening goal, before scoring an outrageous free-kick from 35 yards out.
The only problem with that free-kick is that, in the end, it was awarded as an own goal for Italy keeper, Guglielmo Vicario.
Digne didn’t stop there because France’s set-pieces caused Italy further issues, and just like the opening goal, Adrien Rabiot and Digne combined again, with the latter then reacting on Instagram.
“50 shade of blue,” wrote Digne, referring to THAT book by reacting to his 50 caps for his country. “1st of the group.”
Jules Kounde and Moussa Diaby react to Digne’s assists for France against Italy
Digne is playing the best football of his career and Emery deserves huge credit for elevating his game to such levels.
It needs to be noted that the Aston Villa defender spent two years on the sidelines before being recalled by his country and now he is making up for lost time.
After the match against Italy, several players responded to Digne’s IG post and lauded him for his efforts.
Arsenal defender William Saliba called Digne the ‘MVP’, ex-Villa winger Moussa Diaby sent eyes-heart emojis and Jules Kounde told him it was ‘light work’.
Boubacar Kamara sent fire emojis, whilst Sofascore told the fullback that he was ‘Player of the Match with two assists’.
