Cash injury before the midweek Premier League game against Brighton forces Aston Villa to weigh options ahead of Newcastle FA Cup tie on Saturday at Villa Park
Matty Cash‘s absence from Aston Villa‘s 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday stemmed from injury, creating uncertainty around the right back’s availability for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Newcastle United.
Cash, who has established himself as a crucial component under Emery, didn’t make the matchday squad for the narrow win.
While Lamare Bogarde did a good job filling in, Cash remains Villa’s first choice right-back over extended periods. His consistency and defensive reliability have made him indispensable to Emery’s system, raising concerns about how long the Poland international might be sidelined. Meanwhile, Bogarde has participated in 30 games across all competitions this term.
According to The Athletic, Cash, who has started in 24 Premier League games this season, is expected to miss out on Villa’s next two games – something that hasn’t been officially confirmed by the club. The medical staff will be cautious about aggravating the issue, particularly with the quick turnaround between matches creating limited recovery time.
“He was injured, with a small injury,” Emery said after the Brighton match. “I don’t know if he will be available for Saturday. Each day is important for how he is progressing.”
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Quick turnaround complicates selection decisions
If Emery decides against using Bogarde at right back, alternative options exist within the squad. Ezri Konsa could shift to the right flank, with Victor Lindelof partnering someone else centrally. That configuration maintains defensive solidity while giving Bogarde the opportunity to operate in his preferred defensive midfield role.
The compressed schedule makes Cash’s participation against Newcastle unlikely at this stage. The sensible approach, especially for a cup competition where Villa can afford to prioritize long-term health over short-term gains, would be starting Bogarde again and protecting Cash from potential setback.
Emery’s day-to-day assessment leaves room for optimism that Cash could feature in some capacity if he responds positively to treatment. Minor knee issues sometimes resolve quickly with proper rest and therapy, creating the possibility of at least substitute minutes against Newcastle.
However, rushing him back carries obvious risks. Knee problems can escalate rapidly when not given adequate healing time, potentially transforming a minor absence into something far more problematic.
When is Aston Villa vs Newcastle in the FA Cup 4th round?
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round will take place on Saturday, February 14, at Villa Park, with kick off at 17:45 GMT. That means 12:45 ET, and 09:45 PT in the United States.
It’s set to be shown live in the UK on BBC One (and streamed on BBC iPlayer) as well as TNT Sports 3 (streaming via discovery+). In the US, the match is listed on ESPN+ (including Spanish language coverage).