Hip surgery ends Paula Tomàs' season; Villa fans await her return | OneFootball

It is always difficult when hearing about a significant injury. This becomes particularly true when a setback involves needing surgery. While there is the glory of being on the pitch, the agony of the taxing nature of being an athlete can too often be overlooked by fans. Rarely ever, if at all, at true 100% fitness levels, most players are usually working through something that is hindering them. Unfortunately for one member of the Aston Villa Women team, her season has come to an early end.

The club website shared that Paula Tomàs will be unable to play again in any of the remaining WSL fixtures. She has been dealing with a hip issue since the international break and was noticeably excluded from the lineup that ended up winning the game against Tottenham Hotspur in Villa's last league encounter.

Further details were not shared regarding the exact nature or extent of her injuries. With the player and medical team opting for injury, it will mean an end for the 2024-2025 campaign for the Spaniard. The announcement did not share an update for a potential return timetable. AVWFC supporters will hope to be able to see Tomàs able to return to training as soon as she is able to and watch her play.

From when she joined Villa from Levante, the left-back has been a lively presence on the pitch. A capable defender with the ability to join the attack, Tomàs provides what is asked of any player on the outside. Her activity and overall skill set allow the LB to play a role when the Villans have possession and then track back to prevent something from coming down her side.

Tomàs' skill set will be missed in Arroyo's system

Since Natalia Arroyo's emphasis on the three center-back and two outside wing-back positions, Tomàs has a natural fit in that role, especially considering the caliber of player that she is. With her exclusion for the foreseeable future, Mayumi Pacheco will likely need to expect to play a full 90 minutes in that role for the remainder of the season.

With a good rehab span and knowing what's expected of her in Arroyo's system, Tomàs can be expected to come back from this injury and provide an influential presence as she has for Villa. Her return will be a welcome one when it happens.