Villarreal’s Injury Situation and the International Break

Hopefully, over the next two weeks we can avoid the injuries we suffered last time an international break came rolling through. In my estimation, the injuries sustained by Estupinan and Gerard Moreno directly cost us two points against Cadiz. While both those players, as well as Pau Torres, Take Kubo, and Samu Chukwueze, have all been called up for their national sides, overall this is the perfect time for our squad to get a two week break.

Because of injuries to Francis Coquelin and Dani Parejo, Iborra has had very few breaks in the last few weeks. Not only does this international break give him a chance to catch his breath, it also let’s our two midfielders just returning catch up on their match fitness. A similar thing happens at the CB position, where an injury to Juan Foyth had put extra strain on Raul Albiol, who now gets a rest.

The timing of this break should also let Juan Foyth get fully healed as we get ready for a really tough set of fixtures when football returns. A struggling but talented Real Madrid side is first on the 21st of November, followed by a road trip to Maccabi Tel Aviv (that won’t be nearly as easy as the first match) and a trip to the Anoeta to face league leading Real Sociedad. Then, there will be our final two Europa group stage matches with Elche sandwiched in between.

Just like that, we’ll be in mid-December, so it’s imperative that we continue our good form to both get us a favorable draw in the Europa knockouts and also keep us in position to make top four in La Liga.

If you’re curious as to the schedule for Villarreal players on international duty you can fine the day and time of all the matches here on the club website.