Aston Villa face a significant injury crisis ahead of their Champions League group stage match against Viking FK. Unai Emery confirmed seven players will be unavailable for the Wednesday night fixture at Villa Park, as his side sits 12th in the Premier League with eight points from seven games.
Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who scored the winning goal in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle, has a hamstring injury. The manager said the on-loan defender is expected to miss three to four weeks. "Aaron has an injury as well, more or less we expect three or four weeks," Emery told reporters.
Johan Manzambi, who provided that match-winning goal at St James' Park, is also ruled out with a minor knock. "Manzambi has a small injury, he’s not available for tomorrow," Emery added. The Swiss forward has been in excellent form, scoring three goals and providing two assists in his last four appearances. He scored the only goal in the Newcastle win on Saturday 17 October and also netted in the 6-0 demolition of Fenerbahçe last week.
Key players return and tactical options
The absences force Emery into a selection puzzle, but he has several players returning to contention. Emiliano Buendia is set to battle for a place in the final third, while captain John McGinn, who played only 45 minutes against Newcastle, is expected to be recalled. Leon Goretzka is pushing for his first Villa start since his summer arrival.
With Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, Matteo Ruggeri and Modo Cisse all sidelined, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis ineligible for European competition, defensive resources are stretched. Tyrone Mings is likely to start at left-back in a back four alongside Pau Torres, Victor Lindelof and Matty Cash.
In attack, Nicolas Jackson is the probable starter after scoring twice in the 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahçe last week. Ross Barkley could feature in a deeper midfield role after his two goals and assist in that same match, while Zion Suzuki will continue in goal.
The injury news comes as Villa enjoy a strong run of form, sitting 12th in the Premier League with eight points from their opening seven matches, having scored 11 goals and conceded 13. The team's next challenge is a Premier League clash against leaders Manchester City at Villa Park on Saturday 24 October, a fixture that will test their depleted squad as they look to improve their league position. Villa are currently 13 points behind City and are on a run of four wins and a draw from their last five matches.
This story first appeared at Straits Times Sport
