Aston Villa injury crisis worsens with Matty Cash blow – here’s when he’ll return to action
Aston Villa take on Brighton in the Premier League on Tuesday night but they were rocked by another injury ahead of kick-off.
Villa are already missing the likes of Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn and Youri Tielemans, absentees who seriously weaken Unai Emery’s squad.
The injury crisis is having an effect on results, as Villa have picked up just one win from their last five Premier League games.
Now, another key player is set for a spell in the treatment room, as the situation goes from bad to worse for Emery.
Matty Cash ruled out with knee injury
Matty Cash has been such a crucial player for Aston Villa this season, as well as over the past five and a half years, since he joined from Nottingham Forest.
Emery has consistently trusted the Poland international in his starting lineups, and more often than not, the defender has delivered.
However, Cash was missing from Villa’s XI to face Brighton on Wednesday evening, with Lamare Bogarde starting at right-back instead.
According to Villa journalist Jacob Tanswell, Cash felt some discomfort in his knee after the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth last Saturday and underwent a scan as a result.
The results showed that there was no serious damage, but there was some inflammation present, which will rule him out for a couple of games.
As well as missing the clash with Brighton, Cash is expected to be unavailable for the FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Newcastle United this weekend.
The current feeling is that he will return to face Leeds United in the Premier League on 21 February.
Lamare Bogarde must step up for Aston Villa
With Cash out, and Villa’s only other right-back Andres Garcia missing with a hamstring injury, Bogarde is the only option to fill in.
The Dutchman has deputised in that position before this season, when Cash was suspended against Arsenal at the Emirates, but he struggled as the Midlands side were beaten 4-1.
Including the game against Brighton, Bogarde has now started seven Premier League games this season.
He is also now set to get a chance in the FA Cup and must step up against Newcastle in order to give Villa the best chance of getting their hands on some silverware.