Aston Villa's Injury Woes Intensify Ahead of European Clash
Unai Emery has delivered a concerning update on Aston Villa's mounting injury list, confirming a fresh setback for one player while revealing extended recovery periods for two key midfielders.
New Blow for Promising Youngster
The Villa manager confirmed that Andres Garcia has suffered a hamstring injury that will rule him out for approximately three weeks. The young Spanish defender, who joined from Levante for around £7 million, had been working to establish himself as cover for Matty Cash.
"Andres García is out for three weeks. He has a hamstring injury, a small injury," Emery stated ahead of Villa's Europa League encounter with Red Bull Salzburg.
This development means Garcia will definitely miss upcoming matches against Salzburg, Brentford, and AFC Bournemouth, with potential for further absence beyond that timeframe.
Extended Absences for Key Midfielders
More worrying news emerged regarding the recovery timelines for John McGinn and Youri Tielemans. Both players, initially expected to return sooner, now face significantly longer spells on the sidelines following comprehensive medical assessments.
"We know about McGinn, Tielemans and Kamara. Kamara is a long time, not playing again this season. McGinn is six to eight weeks out. Tielemans is eight to ten weeks out," Emery revealed.
McGinn's injury, sustained six weeks ago against Everton, was originally hoped to be less severe, while Tielemans' issue from the Newcastle United match was initially considered minor. These extended absences compound the existing long-term loss of Boubacar Kamara, who suffered a serious knee injury at Tottenham Hotspur and will miss the remainder of the campaign.
Emergency Midfield Reinforcement Arrives
In response to this deepening midfield crisis, Aston Villa have moved swiftly to secure the return of former fan favourite Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder has joined on a six-month loan deal from Juventus, with Villa holding an option to make the move permanent for approximately £22 million plus a £2 million loan fee.
This represents a significant reduction from the £42 million Villa received when selling Luiz just nineteen months ago. Emery expressed confidence in the player's ability to readapt quickly to Villa's system, citing his familiarity with the club as a crucial factor.
"After those updates on those players, we need to manage central midfielders in the matches we are going to play," Emery explained. "We are involving Douglas Luiz for this season. Hopefully, we can keep him consistently this season."
Additional Squad Options Considered
The Villa manager also highlighted potential contributions from other players as the club navigates this challenging period. Ross Barkley is reportedly close to rejoining the squad, while young prospect George Hemmings could receive opportunities to demonstrate his capabilities.
"Barkley is so close to joining us again. George Hemmings is a young player, knowing tactically what we need. He has huge potential, and maybe this is a moment he can help us," Emery added, indicating a willingness to explore all available options within the squad.
This series of injury setbacks presents a substantial challenge for Villa as they approach a critical period featuring European competition and important domestic fixtures, testing both squad depth and managerial resourcefulness.
