Villa Hit by Fresh Injury Setback
Aston Villa have been dealt a new injury concern after key midfielder Amadou Onana was sent home early from international duty with Belgium. The Belgian football federation confirmed his withdrawal from the squad to face Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier, stating the decision was made as a precautionary measure.
Onana's Fitness Battle and Villa's Concerns
This development is a significant worry for Villa manager Unai Emery. Onana has recently returned to impressive form for the club after missing six weeks of action with a hamstring injury. Since his big-money move from Everton in the summer of 2024, the powerful midfielder has struggled to maintain consistent fitness over extended periods.
Villa's medical staff will now work intensively to assess his condition, with the club desperately hoping his fitness can be managed in time for the weekend trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.
Growing List of Fitness Worries for Emery
Onana is not the only player to have returned to Bodymoor Heath early this international break. Defender Ezri Konsa also came back ahead of schedule after reporting tightness in his calf towards the end of last week.
Furthermore, young prospect Lamare Bogarde has left the Netherlands Under-21 camp due to his own fitness concerns, adding to a growing list of issues for the Villa boss to contend with ahead of a busy schedule.
Following the Leeds United fixture, Villa face a quick turnaround with a home match against BSC Young Boys before a Premier League encounter with Wolves. All eyes will be on Unai Emery's press conference at Bodymoor Heath on Friday, where he is expected to provide a comprehensive update on his squad's availability.
