Aston Villa have received an unexpected early return from the international break as young defender Lamare Bogarde has been sent back to the club from Netherlands under-21 duty.
Early Return from International Camp
The 21-year-old reported for duty with the Dutch youth squad in Zeist on Monday but was promptly assessed and found to be carrying minor symptoms that rendered him unfit to participate. The Netherlands football association made the decision to return Bogarde to his parent club rather than keep him with the squad.
This development means Bogarde missed the Netherlands' 2-0 victory over Slovenia on Friday evening and will also sit out their upcoming match against Israel on Tuesday. The Dutch FA confirmed they would not be calling up a replacement, reducing their squad to 23 players for the remainder of the international window.
Growing Importance to Villa
Bogarde's early return presents both concern and potential relief for Villa manager Unai Emery. While any fitness issue is worrying, having the player back at Bodymoor Heath allows club medical staff to monitor his condition closely.
The young defender has become increasingly important to Emery's plans this season after making 16 senior appearances across all competitions last term. This campaign, Bogarde has already featured 11 times, including starts in Premier League victories against Fulham and Burnley.
What Comes Next for Villa
Villa's immediate focus will be on Bogarde's recovery as they prepare for their return to Premier League action next weekend. The club faces a trip to Elland Road to take on 16th-placed Leeds United in what represents an important fixture in their season.
Emery will be hoping this early return allows sufficient time for Bogarde to recover fully before the crucial league encounter, though the nature and severity of his symptoms remain undisclosed by either the player or club.
