Villarreal CF faces Borussia Dortmund in Germany this Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League with significant defensive absences and a difficult start to the La Liga season. The Castellón-based team, sitting 16th in the table with just two points from four games, arrives at this European clash with Juan Foyth definitely out and Carlos Romero a major doubt.
What is the state of the defence for the match?
The Villarreal CF defence arrives heavily depleted for the key match in Germany. Argentine full-back Juan Foyth is definitively ruled out for the clash against Borussia Dortmund. The player is carrying muscular discomfort that originated during the match in Vitoria and already kept him out of the last La Liga matchday. His teammate Carlos Romero is the big question mark. The player was not included in the squad last weekend due to discomfort and a decision on his travel to Dortmund will be made on Monday.
The team will hold its final training session at their sports city before flying to Germany on Monday afternoon. The plan does not include a training session at the German stadium prior to the match, although they will attend the mandatory press conferences. The squad is looking to turn around a poor domestic start, with two draws and two losses, having scored six goals and conceded eight.
How is the team arriving for the Champions League?
The return to the top European competition comes at a time of low confidence for Villarreal CF. The team has not only failed to win any of its first four league games but is also seven points behind the leaders, Barcelona. This context makes the duel against Borussia Dortmund, a rival they lost to last season, even more demanding. The need for a good result in Europe could serve as a boost for the league campaign.
The schedule does not stop after Dortmund. The next fixture is at home against Real Betis, currently third in the table, on September 14th. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What impact does Foyth's absence have?
The absence of Juan Foyth is a significant blow to the team's defensive setup. The Argentine is a key player at right-back and his absence, which is already listed on our injuries page, forces the manager to seek alternative solutions. His muscular injury, which will keep him off the pitch for an undetermined period, leaves a difficult gap to fill in an already strained area.
The uncertainty surrounding Carlos Romero adds more doubt. If he ultimately cannot travel, the options for rebuilding the defence would be notably reduced. The team needs stability at the back to compete in a setting as demanding as the Signal Iduna Park. The current situation in the standings reflects the urgency to improve both in Spain and in Europe.
The match against Borussia Dortmund will be played on Tuesday in Germany, with Villarreal CF trying to change its momentum.
