Aston Villa’s defensive issues have been a persistent headache for Unai Emery in recent games, and with injuries to Pau Torres and John McGinn, the timing could not be worse.
Torres will miss two months with a broken metatarsal, while McGinn’s hamstring injury will sideline him for up to five weeks. These absences come just as Villa need to improve their league form and approach crucial Champions League fixtures, adding further pressure on Emery to find solutions.
Torres’ injury is particularly significant. Brought in to anchor Villa’s build-from-the-back philosophy, he has been pivotal to Emery’s system. However, Villa’s defensive record has been far from convincing, summed up by them conceding more than two goals per game away from home this season.
While Torres’ absence compromises the team’s fluidity, it presents an opportunity to address a glaring issue: defensive solidity. Reintroducing the Tyrone Mings-Ezri Konsa partnership could offer the stability Villa need, especially in the Premier League.
McGinn’s injury, though less impactful in terms of tactical disruption, might also offer up new opportunities. His role in the first XI has felt forced at times, with his inclusion often based on leadership and character rather than tactical fit.
Due to Villa’s strength in the middle of the park, McGinn has been forced to play wider midfield roles, when his best position is more central. Jacob Ramsey’s return from injury provides an opportunity for a more balanced midfield. Then there is also the potential utilisation of Ian Maasten on the left-hand side in front of Lucas Digne.
While these injuries are poorly timed, especially with Villa looking to snatch a top-eight spot in the Champions League table, they could force Emery to rethink his approach and prioritise a more solid defensive structure.
This reset could be key to solving the long-term defensive woes that have compromised Villa’s season so far.
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