Man City star gives injury news after Spain’s Nations League win over Italy
Manchester City star Ferran Torres has played down any fears of a serious injury after being taken off in Spain’s UEFA Nations League victory over Italy.
The 21-year-old forward played a key role in Luis Enrique’s side’s 2-1 victory against Italy in Milan on Wednesday evening, scoring a first-half brace to bring Italy’s world-record unbeaten run of 37 games to an end. Spain’s victory over 10-men Italy means they will face either Belgium or France in the grand finale—scheduled on Sunday.
Ferran Torres got the ball rolling in the 17th-minute when he guided Mikel Oyarzabal’s left-wing cross in off the far post. At the stroke of half-time, the Manchester City man doubled his tally and Spain’s lead as he escaped his marker and guided his header off Oyarzabal’s pinpoint cross past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
However, there was some concern for both Spain and Manchester City supporters during the match, as four minutes after the break, Torres looked in discomfort after being challenged by Italy midfielder Jorginho. Perhaps, he felt the impacts of the challenge and was substituted with what looked like an injury to his right foot.
"On his apparent injury to his right foot, Torres explained: “I am happy for the team. I believe that perseverance and training make the results arrive.“I had a few minor annoyances but I’m already thinking about the final.”"
Spain boss Luis Enrique also revealed during the post-match press conference that Torres was carrying a couple of knocks before his substitution, suggesting his decision to take off the player was more for safety purposes than alarming.
"“I’m not sure how Ferran will be,” Luis Enrique stated after the game.“He had a knock in the first half and another in the second half so we decided to take no risks.”"
Source: The Manchester Evening News
Ferran Torres’ words after the game in Milan will undoubtedly give the fans of Spain and Manchester City a huge sigh of relief. With a massive Nations League final encounter imminent, the Spanish medical team will have to work round the clock to get the 21-year-old back to full fitness in the next few days.
As for Pep Guardiola and City, they’ll hope Torres recovery quickly, participates in the UEFA Nations League finals, and returns to Manchester unscathed, as a grueling winter schedule looms large.