Villarreal sweat over Gerard Moreno’s latest injury setback amid international break

Villarreal will be sweating over Gerard Moreno’s latest injury setback during the international break.

The striker limped off during the win over Osasuna in the Yellows’ final outing before the break, and it cost him opportunities with Spain.

Gerard was forced to drop out of the Spain squad, while Yeremy Pino was called up following an injury elsewhere in the La Roja squad.

The injury has since been confirmed as a calf issue, though Villarreal have been quiet on the extent of the blow, with initial tests delayed due to swelling - which is not common.

Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Tests must have been carried out by now, but there has been no word on how long Gerard will miss.

The injury comes at a terrible time for Villarreal, with a crucial run-in approaching as the Yellows compete for a European spot. In fact, the first game back is against fourth-placed Real Sociedad.

Then again, Villarreal should be used to Gerard’s absence at this stage, given the striker’s torrid injury record over the last 18 months or so.

This latest relapse only adds to the need for a back-up striker, and it’s a good job Villarreal have already agreed to sign Ben Brereton-Diaz this summer.