Poland manager Jan Urban has explained Aston Villa’s Matty Cash had to be substituted in their 3-1 win over Finland in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
The manager provided an update on Cash’s fitness in the post-match press conference and Przegląd Sportowy Onet have relayed his comments.
In the first half, the Aston Villa player was in pain and needed medical attention after a tackle from Finland and Atromitos defender Jere Uronen.
Urban has now provided an update on what happened to the right-back on the pitch.
“He suffered a severe bruise from the foul, after which he was assisted by doctors and physiotherapists. It was a typical knee strike to the quadriceps muscle. The longer you run with something like that, the more it starts to harden,” he said.
The Aston Villa fullback was keen on returning to the pitch in the second half, but Urban replaced him with Legia Warsaw’s Paweł Wszołek after the break.
The Poland coach was pleased that the 28-year-old didn’t force himself to get back on the pitch as it would have made it worse for him. Unai Emery and the Premier League club would also be happy with Urban’s decision.
“He was already limping at the end of the first half. Despite this, he wanted to continue playing. I personally convinced him to make a substitution,” Urban explained.
“I substituted him at half-time, and I think it was a good decision, both mine and his, as he agreed to be substituted and wasn’t stubborn about continuing to play.
“Well, he wouldn’t have lasted much longer. I’ve had injuries like that myself. It’s only a matter of time before you can’t run anymore.”
Aston Villa face Everton on Saturday and manager Unai Emery will hope Matty Cash is available.