The international break couldn’t have come at a better time for Aston Villa, who have seen their form suffer across all competitions.
Unai Emery’s men have lost their last four in a row, most recently suffering a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday, dropping Aston Villa into ninth.
It’s been a testing period for the Spaniard and his players, as some of his first-team stars have suffered injuries.
Matty Cash and Ross Barkley were already missing and will be expected back after the international break while Jacob Ramsey and Boubacar Kamara picked up injuries in Saturday’s loss.
Ian Maatsen was then forced to withdraw from international duty with the Netherlands’ under-21s, and he isn’t the only player set to return to Bodymoor Heath.
Aston Villa star Pau Torres withdraws from Spain squad with injury
Pau Torres, as always, has been a pivotal player for Emery this season, featuring in each of their 11 Premier League matches.
The 27-year-old is a stalwart at the back and a Rolls Royce in possession, impressing as a ball-playing defender.
Torres is arguably Villa’s most important centre-back alongside Ezri Konsa and keeping him fit is imperative to their Champions League charge.
Following his excellent form across the past year or so, the Aston Villa star was called up to the Spain national side.
The 24-cap international was recently named in Luis de la Fuente’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Switzerland.
However, his chances of featuring have now been cut short, as Spain’s official website reports that Torres suffered muscle discomfort in the loss to Liverpool and will not be fit enough for the final two international matches of the year.
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Unai Emery has received great news
As much as it will be disappointing for Torres – not having a chance to feature for his nation – withdrawing from the squad is at least some consolation to Emery.
The Villa manager needs all of his players fit during a hectic fixture schedule, and while the ‘special’ Torres wasn’t guaranteed to play for Spain, he now gets a much-needed rest.
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The top-four chasers will hope to hit the ground running after the break, as they host Crystal Palace before playing Juventus in the Champions League the following Wednesday.
Hopefully, Torres and his other first-team stars keep fit for a crucial run of games in the Premier League and Europe.
