Credit: Imago

Dr Rajpal Brar

Mon 24 February 2025 14:19, UK

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres may be back in training before the end of February post his metatarsal injury, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.

The injury expert claims that such blows can be really painful, which is what has kept the centre-back out for this long.

Torres, 28, has not yet played in 2025, with his last appearance coming at the end of December in the 2-2 draw against Brighton.

Crystal Palace game comes too soon for Pau Torres

The Spain international missed the game against Chelsea on 22 February as expected and is not likely to be back for the next one either.

Villa travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace on 25 February and while Torres might be back in training, he will not be ready to make a first-team return.

Speaking about this situation, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, told Villa News: “Metatarsals are the long bones in your foot that connect the midfoot to the toes.

“The fourth metatarsal would be the fourth over from the inside of the foot – the first connecting to the big toe and the fifth to the pinky toe and these can be really painful.

“Based on comments from manager Unai Emery, sounds like late February would be the earliest expectation for a return to training.

“He’s not expected to be at 100 per cent until April and will not be ready to play until mid March.“

Aston Villa have missed Pau Torres’ influence in defence

Unai Emery certainly will be wanting his key defender to be back from his injury lay-off as soon as possible.

He’s made 18 Premier League appearances this term and all of them have been starts.

Dr Brar has stated that he’s not expected to be back to 100 per cent until April which is a blow as that’s another month without him being at his best.

He’s needed not just in the Premier League but also in the Champions League – given his expertise in European competitions.