Unai Emery provides a pre-Man Utd team news hint as Pau Torres’ injury update surfaced.
Prior to Aston Villa’s Boxing Day trip to Manchester United, Unai Emery has disclosed that Pau Torres is questionable. The summer acquisition had been in the Premier League almost constantly, but he was absent from the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United because he was knocked out at Brentford.
In Pau’s absence, Clement Lenglet filled in at left center-back, while Matty Cash played at right back and Ezri Konsa moved to the middle, pushing Diego Carlos to the bench. In his first league start in the claret and blue, Lenglet performed admirably, so Emery isn’t too concerned if Pau doesn’t quite make it on Tuesday.
“Pau Torres is challenging. He’s healing; the injury isn’t too serious. We have to wait and see if he’s [fit for Man Utd], Emery stated at the press conference on Friday. With a red card, [Boubacar] Kamara is eliminated. This is [Matty] Cash’s yellow card; he’s out.
“Without Cash, I believe the players we have today will essentially be the same players on Tuesday. Pau Torres, perhaps, could be added to the team, but I’m content with the players I currently have. We must work to improve the squad’s performance. They must be prepared.
“Clement Lenglet is a skilled athlete and a top-notch professional. He does amazing work on the training field every day and is eager to play. “I want to maintain the same level when some players are injured, and he did it [against Sheffield United],” Emery went on.
Pau’s injury isn’t serious, which is good news as he is still doubtful for the match at Old Trafford. He will undoubtedly return for Burnley on December 30 or, in the event that he is not selected, for the FA Cup trip to Middlesbrough on January 6.
Regardless of Pau’s availability, Diego Carlos is probably going to be called up to the starting lineup due to Cash’s suspension, with Konsa likely to fill in at right-back as he usually does. If Pau is fit, he will play; if not, Lenglet will most likely.
Given the recent strong performances from Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno, Emery’s biggest selection headache in defense may be at left-back. It’s really close, but given his greater experience, Digne may have the slight advantage.
