Credit: Tung Manh Phan, Breaking Media

Max Wilkins

Fri 24 April 2026 12:10, UK

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres was a surprise absentee for last weekend’s clash with Sunderland.

The Spaniard has been key for the Villans in recent weeks as his ability on the ball continues to shine through in claret and blue.

That has seen him contribute to plenty of winning results this season as he continues to operate in a positive partnership with Ezri Konsa.

The B6 faithful were therefore frustrated when he missed out on the matchday squad as the Black Cats travelled to Villa Park.

It now looks as if Torres has picked up a knock for Aston Villa, but he still needs managing rather than risking his season.

Pau Torres could have risked a season-ending injury vs Sunderland

The 29-year-old has been a virtual ever-present since signing for the Villans from Villarreal in the summer of 2023.

Things haven’t been so plain sailing this season due to injury, which has often seen Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings feature in the starting XI.

The latter came in against Sunderland as his Spanish teammate totally vanished after starting in the mid-week clash against Bologna.

Former Villa scout Bryan King has suggested that Torres is suffering from a knock, something which could have even ended his season if managed incorrectly.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “He must have picked up a knock.

“If he plays against Fulham, it will prove beneficial to leave him out against Sunderland.

“He can’t have been 100 per cent ready, and if they aren’t 100 per cent, you aren’t going to take the risk.

“If he had got injured and played on it and made things worse, he could have put himself out for the season.

“It’s the sort of work that Emery knows how to do.”

Torres is an important asset for Aston Villa, and it is crucial that he returns to aid their efforts in the run-in.

Aston Villa can’t rush Torres back from injury

If his problem was bad enough to miss out on the entire squad against Sunderland, the Fulham clash may come too soon.

With Villa kicking off early on Saturday at Craven Cottage, it may be a risk to throw the Spaniard straight back in.

That decision will ultimately come down to Unai Emery, though he will have one eye on the Europa League semi-final first leg away to Nottingham Forest.

Chucking Torres in at the deep end at the City Ground may also prove to be an error, giving the Villa boss plenty of decisions to ponder.

The Villans need the Spaniard back at the heart of their defence, but also know they can’t rush him at this stage of the campaign.