Unai Emery tells Taylor Harwood-Bellis ‘his time is coming’ after Pau Torres injury
Unai Emery has opened the door for Taylor Harwood-Bellis to play a bigger role at Aston Villa following Pau Torres’ injury against Nottingham Forest.
Torres was forced off during the first half of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Villa Park, with Tyrone Mings replacing the Spaniard.
The setback could now hand Harwood-Bellis an opportunity after the summer signing endured a frustrating start to his Villa career.
Speaking after the Forest defeat, Emery explained why the defender had previously been left out of his European plans before delivering a significant update on his immediate future.
Jacob Tanswell reported that Emery said: “With the injury with Pau, his time is coming.”
Taylor Harwood-Bellis could get Aston Villa opportunity
Harwood-Bellis was the most notable omission when Villa submitted their Champions League squad earlier this month.
Emery previously explained that squad restrictions forced him to make a difficult choice, with Villa limited in the number of players they could include.
Read Aston Villa covered Emery’s explanation after Harwood-Bellis was left out of the Champions League squad, with the manager already making clear that the decision was not a reflection of the defender’s long-term importance.
Villa’s complete European selection can also be found in our Aston Villa Champions League squad guide.
Saturday’s injury to Torres could now accelerate Harwood-Bellis’ involvement domestically.
The centre-back remains available for Premier League and cup selection despite his European omission.
Pau Torres injury creates defensive decision
Torres’ injury is another concern for Emery following a difficult afternoon against Forest.
The Spaniard was unable to continue during the first half, while Ian Maatsen also suffered an ankle problem later in the contest.
Recent reports have described Torres’ problem as a hamstring issue, although the full severity has yet to be confirmed.
Villa therefore face a quick turnaround with Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Coventry City approaching.
Our latest Aston Villa injury tracker will continue to follow Torres and Maatsen as further information becomes available.
Villa’s next game could now provide Harwood-Bellis with the opportunity Emery has been promising.
The England international will hope his chance arrives at Coventry as Villa attempt to respond immediately to another disappointing domestic result.
