Pau Torres will undergo a scan this week as Aston Villa face an anxious wait to see whether their key defender faces another spell on the sidelines.

The Spain international was starting only his second game back following an injury lay-off, after making only one substitute’s appearance in two months due to an ankle problem. He was taken off at half-time against Nottingham Forest, who were beaten 4-2 at Villa Park on Saturday.

With Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos also absent, Villa boss Unai Emery can scarcely afford for Torres to join them. Villa finished the game with Clement Lenglet and Calum Chambers in central defence, even though Chambers was told he could leave in January.

The doubts over Torres were the only blight on an excellent day for Villa, who seem to be over the wobble that saw them lose consecutive home games to Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester United. 

Pau Torres will undergo a scan after coming off at half-time against Nottingham Forest

Unai Emery says the Spain international has not suffered an injury but felt some pain

This was Villa’s third league win in four and lifted them eight points clear of sixth-placed United and five clear of Tottenham, who have a game in hand and are fifth. Spurs visit Villa Park on March 10, a match that could be decisive for both sides’ chances of a top-four finish.

Asked about his team’s prospects of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, Emery was cautious. 

He added: ‘If we are still in this position after 33 games, maybe we will look to the Champions League. For now it is about being in the top seven positions. We always have to be positive and focus on each match.’

Forest defender Neco Williams said: ‘It wasn’t our day today. First half especially we were poor. Need to look back on it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. 

The win over Forest lifted Villa eight points clear of sixth-placed United and five of Tottenham

‘Second half was better, but unfortunately wasn’t enough today. They are a top side, away from home it is never easy, but the defeat was down to our performance today.

‘We know we have quality in the squad, and the belief. Everyone is so committed to our game plan each week. There were parts of our game which were really good, but won’t take away from the score line.’