- Unai Emery has provided an update on Jadon Sancho’s return from injury
- The Englishman was injured in Villa’s friendly match against Elche last week
- He has been ruled out of the fixture against Bologna on Thursday night
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Jadon Sancho will miss Aston Villa’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Bologna tonight
Jadon Sancho featured in Aston Villa’s 2-1 defeat against Elche in a friendly match during the international break. Villa spent three days in Spain as part of a mid-season camp for the players who were not away with their countries.
The 26-year-old landed awkwardly on his shoulder in the 40th minute and was immediately removed from play, with his arm being put in a sling.
At first, it was hoped to just be a precautionary measure, but after scans, it was later revealed that the winger will likely be out for 2-3 weeks, although it is not a definitive timeline.
The 26-year-old has been officially ruled out of the first-leg clash with Bologna at the Renato Dall’Ara, leaving a void in a Villa attack that has been clinical throughout this Europa League campaign.
However, despite the “shoulder joint” issue keeping him sidelined for now, Emery insists the layoff won’t be a long one.
Speaking in his press conference on Wednesday ahead of the Bologna game, Emery provided an update.
“Sancho is not going to be out for a long time, but he is still out. In a few days or one or two weeks, he is coming back. He is progressing well. He is not available for tomorrow.”
With this update, it is likely Sancho will miss Villa’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday as well as the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final next Thursday.
Alternative options to replace Sancho
Since the beginning of the year, the Manchester United loanee has started eleven of the last fifteen matches in all competitions. He has increasingly looked more confident and comfortable in a claret and blue shirt.
Given his injury, the most likely replacement is John McGinn, who has only recently returned from six-week on the sidelines.
The captain has been dearly missed and his energy, and leadership will provide a much-needed boost to the squad.
Another option is Leon Bailey, although his performances since his loan stint at Roma was cut short have been poor. The Jamaican has failed to replicate the incredible form he once showed a couple of seasons ago.
19-year-old Alysson is someone who could operate on the right wing. His raw talent and speed could be quite useful off the bench in the league, and would give him the opportunity to establish himself in the squad.
Luckily for Villa, Sancho’s injury is only short-term. When he returns, there is no doubt he will play a key role in the final stretch of the season, as they look to qualify for the Champions League.
Emery will have all the options available to him to provide the quality needed in the final third, and he will be hoping they can finish strong.
