On Saturday afternoon, Aston Villa defeated Nottingham Forest 4-2 at home, but worries about Pau Torres’ fitness cast a cloud on the victory.
With their victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Aston Villa increased the distance between fourth and fifth place to five points, putting Unai Emery’s team in a strong position to compete in Europe the next season.
The 4-2 victory over Forest was the ideal answer at a crucial juncture in the season for the Villans, who needed to win at Villa Park to gradually put an end to their three straight losses in front of their supporters.
The hosts produced some excellent football, and goals from Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Douglas Luiz clinched the victory. But, things weren’t perfect that day.
What has been stated regarding Pau Torres’s injury
Due to a minor doubt about Pau Torres’ fitness at the half, Villa pulled the Spaniard at the break after he complained of leg soreness.
Villa supporters are concerned by the 27-year-old’s early departure from the Forest game because he only made his injury comeback against Fulham last week.
Emery provided a quick update on the defender’s injuries following the match.
“We had to change him because he was in some pain. We chose not to take a chance with him even though he seemed to be unharmed despite a slight ache along the back of his leg.
Why some people are going to be concerned about fitness Torres Pau
Journalist John Townley acknowledged on the Claret & Blue podcast that following Saturday’s substitution of Torres, he was a little “worried” about the player’s fitness.
“You really don’t want him to miss any games because we’ve seen what happens when he doesn’t play—when we defend when we have the ball, we’re about ten to twenty yards behind where we should be. His influence is just that great.”
“Wrap him in cotton wool, but I know the ankle injury was a contact injury. It is concerning that he is receiving these little knocks.”
