Matty Cash ruled out of Brentford clash: injury update

Unai Emery provides Matty Cash injury update

Matty Cash will play no part in Aston Villa's upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford at Villa Park. Speaking to the media on Friday, manager Unai Emery confirmed that the right-back remains unavailable for selection despite positive steps in his rehabilitation.

Emery was direct regarding the defender's current fitness situation:

"Matty [Cash] is progressing very well but is still out."

While Cash has already rejoined training sessions and his recovery is moving in the right direction, Aston Villa's staff decided against rushing him back into match action. His inclusion in future matchday squads will depend entirely on how his conditioning progresses in the coming days.

Thigh issue sustained on international duty

The setback stems from Cash's recent appearances for the Poland national team. The full-back was forced off with a thigh problem—described as a dead leg—during Poland's 1–0 defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, limping off the pitch in the closing stages.

Cash endured a demanding schedule during the extended international break, completing nearly 300 minutes across Poland's fixtures. The heavy workload came shortly after he had already missed several matches due to an earlier injury this season. Immediately prior to the international window, Cash had made his return by featuring as a half-time substitute against Tottenham in the Premier League.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka to deputise

With Cash ruled out on Saturday, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to continue deputising at right-back. Wan-Bissaka started Villa's final three fixtures before the break against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham in the league, as well as Coventry City in the Carabao Cup.

Cash's gradual recovery comes during a critical juncture for Aston Villa. The club faces a demanding October schedule, playing twice a week across domestic and European competitions. Following the weekend test against Brentford, Emery's side host Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.