Sean Fisher

Tue 4 October 2022 15:10, UK

Aston Villa are willing to wait for Matty Cash to fully recover from his hamstring issues before reintroducing him to the starting lineup.

Cash remained sidelined for Villa’s recent trip to Elland Road, where Steven Gerrard’s side churned out a frustrating 0-0 draw.

The 25-year-old Polish international limped off during the draw against Manchester City last month but was seen back in training last week.

However, he didn’t quite make his way into Gerrard’s plans this week, and Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece believes the club are just being extra cautious.

Preece told GiveMeSport: “Given Lucas Digne’s injury, perhaps Ashley Young could shift over to left-back and do a job and Cash can come back in at right-back.

“But Villa are being cautious with Cash’s hamstring injury.”

Can’t afford another injury

As pointed out by Preece, Villa are already missing one full-back in the shape of Digne, after he injured his ankle one day after being called up for France.

Villa’s injury woes extend far beyond Digne too, with Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara also suffering long-term injuries.

With the experienced Ashley Young ready to replace Cash this weekend, there was no reason for Gerrard to take a risk on Cash potentially worsening his injury.

With a hectic October schedule now underway, he’ll need as many fit first-team stars as he can get. With Villa now afforded a week’s break until the Nottingham Forest clash, Cash can regain full fitness and rejoin the squad for that must-win fixture.

Cash was a key performer last season and is a pivotal part of this Villa defence. With Ludwig Augustinsson also leaving the pitch injured on Sunday, it’s crucial that both Young and Cash stay fit.

Calum Chambers is another defender currently in the treatment room after falling ill and missing Sunday’s clash. Hopefully he can provide some much-needed defensive depth this month.

In other Aston Villa news, Steven Gerrard urges Villa’s forwards to step up