Alysson, Goretzka and Torres: Aston Villa injury news latest as Unai Emery's absentee list rises to seven
The latest Aston Villa injury list and return dates as Unai Emery’s side head into the international break
Aston Villa will head into the international break with their tails up and in improved spirits, after claiming a vital 3-2 Premier League win away at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Unai Emery’s side bulldozed their way into a three-goal lead, and the hosts two late consolation goals weren’t enough to deny the Villans a big three points on the road.
As things stand, Villa are now 16th in the Premier League with just four points from five matches, but have won three of their last four games in all competitions having impressed in both the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Like last season, Villa could turn their sluggish early start around and push on up the table as the season progresses.
Had Villa lost to Spurs, they would be bottom of the league table with only one point, so their win in north London is a significant one and a vital morale booster ahead of three weeks with no Premier League football. As Emery hatches a plan to come storming up the table next month, here is the latest Aston Villa injury news and potential return dates.
Aston Villa injury update: Alysson to Torres
A notable fresh absence for Aston Villa last weekend was Brazilian winger Alysson, who was ruled out of action due to an unspecified muscular complaint. The good news is that it appears to be in no way serious, and the 20-year-old is fully expected to be back in action after the international break. Expected return date: 10th October vs Brentford.
As part of a major summer overhaul at Villa, the club switched things up in the goalkeeper department, with Emi Martinez being replaced by Zion Suzuki, who excelled in last weekend’s win over Spurs. Backup option Marco Bizot has been unavailable for the last two matches, but should recover swiftly to reclaim his place in the matchday squad over James Wright. Expected return date: 10th October vs Brentford.
Star centre-back Pau Torres suffered a hamstring injury against Nottingham Forest earlier in the month, and was ruled out of their last two matches. His return immediately after the international break is uncertain, with a two-to-four week recovery time likely. He will be reintroduced into the side cautiously to avoid aggravating the injury further. Expected return date: 17th October vs Newcastle United.
Aston Villa injury update: Goretzka to Onana
Villa fans have been eager to see top class midfielder Leon Goretzka test his mettle in the Premier League, but he’s still to make his debut after joining in the last transfer window. He suffered a knee injury in training, and has been on the treatment table since. He’s making progress in his recovery, but like with Torres, Emery won’t be rushing him back too soon. Expected return date: 17th October vs Newcastle United.
Wonderkid sensation Brian Madjo’s injury suffered in Villa’s Super Cup loss to PSG was cruel timing, given how impressive the 17-year-old looked as he bullied the defence of the reigning Champions League winners. After overcoming a foot injury, he’s set to join up with full training during the international break, and feature in a behind-closed-doors fixture this week. Expected return date: 10th October vs Brentford.
Ian Maatsen is likely to be out for a longer spell, after suffering an ankle injury following a brutal challenge inflicted by James McAtee earlier this month. The left-back is expected to be out of action until early November, just before the second international break of the season. Expected return date: 9th November vs Manchester United.
Lastly, Amadou Onana will miss much of the season with an ACL injury, suffered at the World Cup while representing Belgium over the summer. His absence has been sorely felt by Villa, who have struggled to control the midfield without the ex-Everton star’s composure in the centre of the park. Expected return date: Late April/early May.