Aston Villa have taken a proactive approach to managing midfielder Youri Tielemans' fitness, issuing specific instructions to the Belgian national team regarding his playing time during the current international break.
Villa's Cautious Approach
Despite being named in the Belgium squad for their matches against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein, Tielemans has revealed that Villa have limited his potential minutes on international duty. This directive comes as the player continues his recovery from a calf injury that has significantly limited his club involvement this season.
The Belgian captain has managed just 349 minutes for Villa this term, with his last start dating back to the Everton match in September. His recent return to action came as a substitute against Maccabi Tel Aviv, marking his first appearance since the injury setback.
Tielemans' Fitness Update
Speaking to Belgian publication Het Belang van Limburg, Tielemans provided a positive update on his physical condition while acknowledging Villa's protective stance. "I feel good. I've had a period of absence where I was really able to reset my body, and that's been good for me," the midfielder stated.
He confirmed his readiness, saying "I feel 100 percent", but crucially added: "It's true that Aston Villa gave certain instructions about the playing time I would get. But that's logical; there's always consultation."
Post-Break Villa Ambitions
The careful management of Tielemans comes with Villa's Premier League campaign firmly in mind. Unai Emery's side face Leeds United this weekend following the international break, with hopes of continuing their impressive form.
Villa enter this period with momentum, having recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over Bournemouth in their last outing. This result propelled them to sixth position in the league table, underlining the importance of having key players like Tielemans fully fit for the challenges ahead.
The Belgian international's availability for the Leeds clash will be crucial as Villa look to maintain their push up the Premier League standings.
