Matty Cash leaves Poland camp with concussion in Aston Villa blow

Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash has left the Poland squad with concussion and will miss Tuesday’s Nations League match against Sweden.

The Polish FA confirmed on Sunday morning that the 29-year-old suffered the injury in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Romania in Bucharest.

Cash will now return to Villa to be assessed before Unai Emery’s side face Sunderland at Villa Park on Saturday 21 November, PA reports. His availability for that game remains unconfirmed.

What happened to Matty Cash in Bucharest

Cash started the game and was forced off after 76 minutes, with Arkadiusz Pyrka replacing him.

According to Polish outlet Interia, he was caught by an elbow around the jaw in the second half and went straight down.

After the match, Cash spoke briefly to Kanał Sportowy’s Mateusz Borek in the mixed zone. Footage showed him saying he had suffered concussion, and he told Borek he was unlikely to be ready for the Sweden game.

Matty Cash concussion: Poland statement

The Polish FA confirmed the news in an official statement on Sunday morning. Translated from Polish, it read: “Matty Cash is leaving the ongoing Poland national team training camp due to a concussion. The defender suffered the injury during Saturday’s match against Romania in Bucharest and will be unable to play in Tuesday’s match against Sweden.”

Poland face Sweden in Wrocław on Tuesday night without him.

Aston Villa news: what it means for Sunderland

Villa are back in Premier League action against Sunderland at Villa Park on Saturday 21 November, with a 3pm kick-off. That is six days away.

No timescale has been given for his return, and with a concussion none should be guessed.

Cash’s availability for Sunderland remains unconfirmed. His return will depend on his recovery, completion of the applicable graduated return-to-play pathway and medical clearance, as set out in the FA’s concussion guidelines.

Why Cash matters to Emery

This is the part of an international break every club dreads. A player goes away fit and comes back hurt.

Cash has been a big part of Emery’s side this season. He has started seven of Villa’s first ten Premier League games, and he has already missed one game this month, when a fifth booking ruled him out of the trip to Manchester United.

Villa will want him back for Sunderland, but with a head injury there is only one right approach. His health comes first, and the return-to-play process is there to make sure he is not rushed.

For more from Villa Park, head to our football news hub.

Matty Cash concussion: FAQ

What happened to Matty Cash?
He suffered a concussion after being caught by an elbow in Poland’s 2-1 defeat to Romania and was substituted after 76 minutes.

Will Matty Cash play against Sweden?
No. The Polish FA has confirmed he has left the camp and will miss Tuesday’s game in Wrocław.

Will Matty Cash play against Sunderland?
His availability is unconfirmed. He will be assessed by Aston Villa, and his return depends on his recovery, the graduated return-to-play pathway and medical clearance.

When do Aston Villa play Sunderland?
Saturday 21 November at Villa Park, with a 3pm kick-off.