Aston Villa have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, with two players set to miss the start of the campaign. The club confirmed the news on Tuesday, leaving manager Unai Emery with selection concerns for the opening fixtures.
Key players sidelined
The two players affected are midfielder Boubacar Kamara and defender Tyrone Mings, according to the club's official website. Kamara, who has been recovering from a long-term knee injury, has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation, while Mings is struggling with a separate issue.
Kamara has not played since February after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and the latest news suggests he will be unavailable for the start of the new season. Mings, who also missed a significant portion of last season, is facing a short-term absence.
Impact on squad depth
The double blow reduces Emery's options in central midfield and defence, areas where Villa are already thin. The club had hoped to have both players available for the season opener against Newcastle United on August 17, but now they will have to adjust their plans.
According to BirminghamWorld, the injuries could force Villa to accelerate their search for reinforcements in the transfer market. The club have been linked with several targets, but no signings have been confirmed as of yet.
Pre-season preparations
Villa are currently in the United States for their pre-season tour, where they have played friendlies against MLS sides. The squad will return to England later this week to finalise preparations for the new campaign.
Emery is expected to provide further updates on the injured duo in his pre-match press conference on Friday. The club's medical staff will continue to monitor their progress, but the early indications are that both players will miss the opening weeks of the season.
The news is a setback for Villa, who are aiming to build on their fourth-place finish last season and secure a top-four spot again. The depth of the squad will be tested, and the club may need to rely on younger players or make late additions to the squad.
