Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been left frustrated after Morgan Rogers was once again called up for international duty with England U21s.
The 22-year-old has been a pivotal figure for us so far this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.
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However, over the past fortnight and with many of his teammates too, it looks as though the Villa players are struggling a little with their energy levels and so the upcoming international break will be a key period for many of them to rest and recover.
Rogers won’t get that chance though as he’s been called up by the England U21s, and Emery has been left frustrated with the situation, as he feels as though they are now risking the player picking up an injury in non-competitive games.
Further, there is a sense in his annoyance and in previous comments on the situation that the Villa boss feels as though Rogers has surpassed U21s level and should be called up for the senior squad now, but he will continue to feature for the Young Lions this month and the hope is ultimately that he is able to come through unscathed.
“This is why I talk about friendly matches and under-21s, if he is really important to go there and play, sacrifice his rest and risk being injured?” Emery said, as per the Express and Star. “This is really my worry with him. I am trying to protect him a lot. We need him now here more than the national team will need him.
“He is one of our best players. His rest is important because he is playing a lot and he is normally running the most of all the players in our squad, 11km a match with intensity as well. He is sometimes tired.
“I decided to change him at Tottenham because the last time he was with his national team and played with us matches in a row he was finishing so, so tired.”
The U21s face Spain and the Netherlands in friendlies next week, and although the expectation is that Rogers will feature in those games having been called up, it’s hoped that there is a minutes restriction of some kind to ensure that he gets adequate rest too.
It’s a topic that has irked Emery previously and he clearly has a strong opinion on the matter, one which is difficult to disagree with, particularly for non-competitive games.
However, it’s a situation that we have to deal with it seems for the time being, and it’s hoped that Rogers and the rest of the Villa squad are able to recharge and regroup at some point over the break before we face Crystal Palace on November 23 as we look to get back to form, hopefully after a big win over Liverpool this weekend to get back on track after three consecutive defeats.