Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that young forward Johan Manzambi will require approximately two more weeks of recovery before he can rejoin the first-team squad. The update comes as Villa prepare to host Arsenal at Villa Park on Monday, August 31, following a disappointing opening-day defeat.
Manzambi's recovery timeline
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Emery provided a detailed injury update on several attacking players. "Manzambi is starting to work on the field and maybe he will need two weeks more to join us, more or less," he said. The Spanish coach also gave an update on another young forward, Madjo, who is nursing a minor issue. "Madjo has a small injury and I think he can get progressively better and start training with us as well, but he may need some days more," Emery added.
Abraham's return and the striker crisis
Tammy Abraham, who missed the opening-day defeat at Brighton, is also closing in on a return. "Tammy Abraham as well, he has a small injury and he is going to join us again. Hopefully we have strikers ready to play [soon], but this can happen," Emery stated. The manager's comments underscore the attacking shortage that plagued Villa in their 4-0 loss at the Amex Stadium.
During that match, Villa failed to register a single shot on target and managed just four touches inside the opposition box, a stark illustration of their lack of a recognised striker. Ollie Watkins did not feature, with Emery directing supporters to ask the player's agent about his unavailability amid strong transfer interest from Saudi club Al-Hilal in the final days of the window.
Looking ahead to Arsenal
With Arsenal visiting Villa Park on Monday, Emery will be eager to field a natural striker in his starting XI. The return of Abraham, alongside the gradual recovery of Manzambi and Madjo, could provide the attacking options Villa desperately need. The manager's cautious optimism suggests that at least one of his forwards may be available for the Arsenal match, though he stopped short of confirming any specific return dates.
