Aston Villa have reportedly raised concerns over a new Premier League rule after Matty Cash was caught up in its application earlier this season.
Players who receive treatment or an assessment on the pitch must now leave the field for at least one minute after play restarts.
That has increased from the 30-second period previously used in the Premier League.
The Sun reports that Aston Villa are among the clubs to have raised concerns about how the new regulation is being enforced.
One concern centres on officials distinguishing genuine injuries from players attempting to waste time.
Matty Cash incident highlights Aston Villa concern
Cash has already experienced the consequences of the change.
The report highlights the Aston Villa defender being forced to spend a minute off the pitch after receiving treatment during the goalless draw with Hull City.
The Premier League’s official explanation of its 2026/27 rule changes confirms that players treated on the pitch must now remain off for at least one minute.
It leaves teams temporarily playing with ten men even when the injury concern is genuine.
Cash has since had another fitness issue after missing Villa’s 3-2 Champions League victory over Club Brugge with muscular soreness.
Read Aston Villa revealed why Cash missed the Club Brugge game, with his condition now one of Unai Emery’s key decisions before Nottingham Forest visit Villa Park.
Our latest Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest team news has Cash as a doubt for Saturday’s 3pm Premier League clash.
New Premier League rule under scrutiny
The treatment rule forms part of several measures introduced to improve the flow of matches this season.
There is also a five-second countdown to prevent delays at throw-ins and goal-kicks, while substituted players are expected to leave the pitch within ten seconds.
Aston Villa’s reported concerns will therefore add to the early debate over whether the changes are working as intended.
The issue could be particularly relevant at Villa Park on Saturday should either side require treatment.
Andy Madley will take charge of the fixture, with Tim Wood on VAR, as detailed in our Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest referee and VAR guide.
Villa will hope the focus is ultimately on ending their wait for a first Premier League victory of the season.
