Villarreal CF faces a significant health setback as they approach a critical fixture against Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Europa League. The Spanish club, set to clash with Marseille in the round of 16 first leg, is grappling with the impact of an intestinal virus that has affected key players, including Africans Aïssa Mandi and Eric Bailly.
As the Europa League encounter looms on Thursday, February 7, Villarreal CF finds itself contending with an unexpected challenge.
The club’s locker room has been hit by an intestinal virus, leaving several players indisposed and raising doubts about their availability for the upcoming match against Marseille.
Among those affected are Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi and Ivorian center-back Eric Bailly. The duo, along with some of their teammates, is reportedly experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting.
The severity of the situation is underscored by the fact that even members of Villarreal’s medical staff have been impacted by the epidemic.
This unforeseen health crisis adds complexity to Coach Marcelino García Toral’s preparations for the crucial fixture against Marseille, followed by another encounter with Real Betis just three days later.
The Spanish coach, already dealing with seven confirmed absentees due to injuries and suspensions, now faces the likely absence of key players like Eric Bailly, Aïssa Mandi, Santi Comesaña, Yeremy Pino, Ramón Terrats, and Gerard Moreno.
The Villarreal camp is undoubtedly in a race against time to mitigate the effects of the virus and devise contingency plans, as the team navigates through a challenging phase of the Europa League campaign.
