David Villa picks up training injury with Spain, will return to NYCFC

Following his first international appearance in over three years, NYCFC captain and MLS Golden Boot leader David Villa will be returning to Five Boroughs after receiving an adductor injury in training with la Roja.

According to Spain’s head coach, Julen Lopetegui, Villa sustained the injury during the last play in training on Sunday. Following some post-injury monitoring, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) ruled out Villa for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein, and decided it would be best for the nation’s all-time leading scorer to return to his club.

While this may seem like a doomsday situation for New York City FC at first glance, Lopetegui has reassured fans that the injury is not too serious.

"I don't think he will be ready to play for his club on Wednesday [against Sporting Kansas City], but he could be available in time for Saturday's game [at home to Portland],” Lopetegui told Onda Cero.

NYCFC were already prepared to be without El Guaje’s services for at least Wednesday’s matchup, so I wouldn’t expect Patrick Vieira and company to change much going into it as far as gameplan and lineups are concerned. And though a Saturday return is still in question, fans will be relieved to know that the injury shouldn’t keep Villa out too long.

Always one for positivity, Villa sent out a tweet of gratitude and best wishes to his Spanish fans and teammates following his untimely exit.

We at Hudson River Blue wish our captain a speedy recovery!