Aston Villa's Pau Torres to Miss Two Months of Action Due to Metatarsal Fracture

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres will be out for around two months after suffering a metatarsal fracture, manager Unai Emery has confirmed.

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres has been dealt a significant injury blow, with the 27-year-old centre-back set to miss around two months of action due to a metatarsal fracture. The injury was confirmed by manager Unai Emery ahead of Aston Villa's Premier League home game against Leicester City on Saturday.

Torres suffered the injury during Villa's 2-2 draw with Brighton on Monday, when he was forced to clear the ball early in the first half. The defender was subsequently seen leaving Villa Park on crutches, and Emery has now revealed the full extent of the injury, which will keep Torres sidelined for an extended period.

Pau Torres has been a mainstay in Aston Villa's defense this season, starting 18 of the team's 19 league matches and featuring in every Champions League game. However, his consistent run has been brought to an abrupt halt due to a metatarsal fracture.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed the extent of Torres' injury on Friday, stating, “Torres broke his fourth metatarsal and he is going to be out for, more or less, two months.” Emery also provided updates on other injured players, revealing that defender Diego Carlos and winger Jaden Philogene are currently sidelined with minor injuries. Additionally, attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers and striker Jhon Duran will miss the Leicester match due to suspension.

Aston Villa will be without the services of Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran for their upcoming match against Leicester. Rogers is serving a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards, while Duran is in the second game of his three-match ban. Duran received a straight red card for violent conduct during Villa's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Currently, Aston Villa sits ninth in the Premier League with 29 points and fifth in Europe with 13 points. Manager Unai Emery reflected on the team's performance, stating, “The first part of the season, we are really not thinking we are bad, but could be better, and the league is our priority.” Emery also acknowledged the team's position in the January transfer window, saying, “Of course, we are in the (January) transfer window as well, and the club is moving forward to try to increase our level in the squad in case we can sign new players and in case someone has to leave, we are open to doing it.”

Regarding potential transfers, Emery mentioned that 22-year-old Villa Academy product Jaden Philogene might be allowed to leave the club. Emery stated, “For January, there could be one option for Philogene, (that is) for the club to let him leave.” This comment suggests that Philogene's future at Aston Villa is uncertain, and a departure might be on the cards.