Juan Foyth
VIL
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jan 12, 1998 (28)
Right
6'2"
183 lb
VillarrealSidelined for UCL opener
Foyth (undisclosed) won't be an option for Tuesday's game against Dortmund, according to manager Inigo Perez. "Juan [Foyth] and Carlos [Romero] didn't travel with us; they're not available for tomorrow."
Analysis: Foyth didn't train Monday due to an undisclosed injury, so it's not surprising to see the veteran defender sidelined for the UCL opener. With Foyth sidelined, Pau Navarro should continue to start next to Renato Veiga at center-back for the Submarino Amarillo.
Unlikely against Dortmund
Foyth (undisclosed) was not training Monday and will likely miss Tuesday's Champions League opener against Dortmund, according to A Punt Esport.
Analysis: Foyth had already been ruled out of the recent match against Deportivo La Coruna, with coach Inigo Perez saying that he shouldn't be out for a long time as he knows his body well. This continued absence extends his layoff further, adding to a recurring pattern of fitness issues for the defender, with Pau Navarro figuring to continue alongside Renato Veiga in central defense until Foyth returns to full speed.
Ruled out against Depor
Foyth (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Deportivo La Coruna, according to coach Inigo Perez. "He won't be available, but he shouldn't be out for a long time, he know his body perfectly and is progressing well."
Analysis: Foyth had left an earlier training session early with muscular discomfort, a scare that led to medical tests to determine the extent of the issue. His injury history has been a recurring concern in recent seasons, including an Achilles rupture that ended a previous campaign early, and this latest setback continues that pattern for a player who has struggled to stay consistently available. Pau Navarro figures to step into the back line alongside Renato Veiga in his place until he returns to full speed.
Stops training with discomfort
Foyth left Tuesday's training session early after experiencing muscular discomfort and will undergo medical tests to determine whether an injury is involved, leaving his availability for Saturday's match against Deportivo in doubt, according to Jornada Perfecta.
Analysis: Foyth completed only part of Tuesday's session before being forced to stop with muscular discomfort, with the Villarreal defender now set to undergo tests to establish whether he has sustained an injury. He has not been ruled out for Saturday against Deportivo, but his availability cannot be clarified until the scan results are known and his response during the remainder of the week is assessed. Should the tests confirm a problem that keeps him out, Pau Navarro would be in line to step into the back line alongside Renato Veiga.
Starts, plays 45 minutes
Foyth (Achilles) started and played 45 minutes in Villarreal's preseason friendly against Levante, the club announced.
Analysis: Foyth had continued working on his recovery plan without seeing any minutes in friendly action, making this his first appearance since returning to training after a lengthy layoff from his Achilles injury, with Pau Navarro having seen increased playing time alongside Renato Veiga in central defense during his absence. His involvement marks a clear step forward in his buildup, and Foyth is expected to continue building up his match fitness as preseason progresses.
Progressing towards return
Foyth (Achilles) has continued to work on his recovery plan and is hopeful to be in contention for the new season, but the club has yet to specify when he'll make his competitive comeback, Carlos Subiela of Superdeporte.es reported Saturday.
Analysis: Foyth has trained with the team during the offseason, but the fact that he hasn't seen any minutes even in friendly action after a lengthy period on the sidelines makes it difficult for him to be heavily involved in the early stages of the 2026/27 period. The team will continue to handle the defender's return with caution and likely won't rush him into the starting lineup until he's in optimal shape. Meanwhile, Pau Navarro should see increased playing time alongside Renato Veiga in the middle of the back line.
Trains at full intensity
Foyth (Achilles) is training at full intensity during preseason without issue and is available for the new 2026/27 LaLiga season under new coach Inigo Perez, the club posted.
Analysis: Foyth had been sidelined since January with an Achilles injury that also cost him a spot at the World Cup with Argentina, and his return to full intensity training is an encouraging sign heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga campaign. If he stays healthy through the remainder of preseason, he should be well positioned to compete for a starting role on the right side of Villarreal's defense.
Back in training
Foyth (Achilles) participated in full training Thursday and should be an option for Villarreal during the pre-season friendlies ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season in August, according to Julian Burgos of Diario AS.
Analysis: Foyth suffered an Achilles injury in January, and while the injury prevented him from representing Argentina in the World Cup, it seems he'll be ready to play in preseason and, most importantly, the new LaLiga season. If Foyth stays healthy in preseason, he should compete for a starting role on the right side of Villarreal's defensive line.
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