Aston Villa midfielder Johan Manzambi will not be fit to face Brighton on Sunday, but manager Unai Emery has expressed satisfaction with the 20-year-old's recovery from a knee injury. The Switzerland international sustained the problem during the World Cup and sought specialist advice after completing his move to Villa Park.
Record signing still on the sidelines
Manzambi, who joined Villa for £52 million, became the club's record arrival, surpassing the fee received for Morgan Rogers, who moved to Chelsea for £117 million – a record for a British player. Ahead of Villa's Premier League opener at home to Brighton, Emery provided an update on the midfielder's condition.
“Manzambi, he came with one injury and he is progressing very well. He is working on the field – it is positive, his progression,” Emery said. When asked if the player would return soon, the Villa boss responded: “He is not available for Sunday.”
World Cup and Bundesliga form
Manzambi scored three goals in four World Cup appearances this summer but missed Switzerland's Round of 16 and quarter-final matches against Colombia and Argentina through injury. Before the tournament, he had broken into Freiburg's first team during the 2024/25 season and established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young players last term.
In the league, he scored five goals and provided five assists in 27 appearances, while also featuring in all 15 of Freiburg's Europa League matches during their run to the final. His absence on Sunday means Villa will have to cope without one of their key summer signings as they begin their Premier League campaign.
