Andres Garcia to get his chance at Aston Villa as Matty Cash injury latest drops
Andres Garcia will be hopeful of more minutes as the season goes on at Aston Villa.
The Spaniard has been a bit-part player this season, with injuries taking their toll and limiting him to just four appearances in all competitions.
That has been a blow to the right-back after what was a largely positive spell after his surprise move from Levante last season.
The 23-year-old came in as an unknown quantity and went on to start quite regularly to begin with, before ultimately being replaced by Matty Cash.
Things could change for Garcia moving deeper into the campaign, with fitness concerns likely to play their part moving forward.
Matty Cash out injured at Aston Villa
Unai Emery has been left frustrated throughout the season as injury woes continue to take their toll on his squad.
The absence of Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Boubacar Kamara has taken a serious toll on his side, proven by defeats against Everton and Brentford.
Aston Villa injury list:
- Boubacar Kamara – Knee
- Youri Tielemans – Ankle/foot
- John McGinn – Knee
- Matty Cash – Knee
- Andres Garcia – Thigh
The head coach wouldn’t have wanted any more problems, but wasn’t so lucky as Cash was forced to watch on as Villa Park played host to Brighton.
Reports suggest that the Poland international is suffering from knee inflammation, with the hope that he will only miss two games, but it may turn out to be more.
That has come as a blow, given the right-back has been one of the most consistent in claret and blue this season, having featured across 24 Premier League matches.
In that time, he’s created 21 chances, won 94 duels and 42 tackles while also making 69 clearances as a dependable defensive option in B6.
Being without him is a blow, especially if he goes on to face a recurring problem, but that could open the door for Garcia to thrive.
What does this mean for Garcia?
The Spanish full-back is dealing with an injury concern of his own right now, but upon his return, he could be ready for an influx of minutes.
Cash’s problem could represent a sign of what’s to come for the Polish star and if his knee concern continues to cause issues, Garcia will have to step up.
There are some signs that he could do well in B6, as showcased by Sofascore, with his 1.7 duels won and two ball recoveries per 90 representing positive work.
His 0.6 successful dribbles and 0.4 accurate crosses per game could do with work, but Emery will help him with that over time, proven by his 100 per cent dribble success against Fenerbahce in his last showing.
He has to focus on getting fully fit himself, but when he does, the second half of the season could prove to be the making of him in claret and blue.
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