After having a pair of brilliant goal-scoring performances for Poland, Aston Villa's Matty Cash was forced to leave the action against Finland due to an injury, as reported by Birmingham Live's John Townley. The right-back collided with a Finnish player during the World Cup qualifier and took a knee to his thigh. To his credit, Cash attempted to play through the incident.
Poland manager Jan Urban made the decision to take Cash off during halftime. This is a move that appears to be more out of precaution rather than a serious, long-term setback.
Even so, with a trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium set for this Saturday, Villa will very possibly be in a position to take the pitch without the usual right-back.
For a side that has undergone a lot of early stress and turmoil, this only adds to what can only be described as an unusual and difficult beginning to the campaign.
It is clear that Unai Emery has full faith and confidence in Cash. Despite the opinion of a significant portion of Villa fans, the possible exclusion from the lineup will possess an added difficulty for a side that truly cannot have too much else go wrong at this point.
Only three matches into the Premier League season, and seemingly every possible inconvenience and poor omen is working against Villa.
Right-back possibilities for Aston Villa
With Cash not being necessarily ready to play against the Toffees, someone else will have to receive the starting nod at RB. New signing Victor Lindelöf is typically a center-back. He does, however, have some limited experience out wide.
Versatile defender Lamare Bogarde could also end up seeing a start against Everton at the position. Finally, Emery could elect to go with a back five. Youngster Bradley Burrowes is coming off his first EPL appearance. While it would be asking a lot, depending on how the other options are looking in training and their comfort level in the system, Emery may very well have given Villa supporters a preview of what to expect in the event that Cash is unable to go on Saturday.