Aston Villa season on cliff edge as Diego Carlos blow emerges at Villa Park
Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos has suffered a hamstring injury during training, as he joins Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara on the list of recent injuries at Villa Park, according to The Athletic.
The sports news outlet reported on 14 February that the Brazilian will now undergo tests to assess the severity of the issue as he adds to the defensive injury crisis under Unai Emery.
However, looking on the bright side, this news has come with slightly better timing given the return of Pau Torres from injury, who featured on the bench in the defeats to both Chelsea and Manchester United.
Aston Villa season could now be at risk
Given the extent and severity, as well as the number of recent injury blows suffered at Villa Park, their hopes of a Champions League finish this season have been dealt a heavy blow.
Injuries to both Konsa and Kamara have emerged in recent weeks, with Villa scrambling for replacements as they have been caught short outside of the transfer window.
Carlos’ injury, though, represents a new challenge for Emery. They will be missing the defender who has been somewhat of a mainstay in recent weeks, having made 25 appearances so far this season.
The defender put on somewhat of a masterclass despite the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United as he made three interceptions, two blocks and one clearance, also competing in six duels. [Sofascore]
In the defeat to Chelsea, he was dependable at the back again despite the whole team struggling as he made six clearances, one block and one tackle, winning four of his six aerial duels and completing a 91 per cent passing accuracy.
That passing, and range of passing, was on display in the 5-0 victory against Sheffield United, when Carlos had a staggering 123 touches of the ball, completing 108 of 116 attempted passes at a success rate of 93 per cent, including 14 long passes to switch the play.
Carlos has impressed at Villa Park this season
Alan Shearer was wowed by Carlos’ display against Arsenal earlier in the season, and that praise has come amid plenty of recognition for his displays.
An average of 2.8 clearances and 3.4 ball recoveries per game has seen the defender excel, while a total of 2.2 duels won per game and only three yellow cards against him all season are a display of his style of play in this Villa side. [Sofascore]
Yet again Villa have been dealt a cruel injury blow at a time when it feels like there is a new concern every other day, and it could be dangerous in the context of their season.
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