Aston Villa have started pre-season training at Bodymoor Heath while five members of Unai Emery’s squad prepare for the World Cup semi-finals.
Players not involved in the tournament returned on Monday as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign began.
Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendía, Matty Cash and Leon Bailey were among those pictured reporting for duty. The opening sessions allowed Emery’s staff to begin fitness work before Villa’s first pre-season fixtures.
The club’s official round-up highlighted the contrast between the returning group and the players still competing in North America.
Five Villa players remain in World Cup contention
Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are preparing for England’s semi-final against Argentina.
Emiliano Martínez will line up on the opposite side, ensuring Villa have at least one player represented in the World Cup final.
Lucas Digne is also still involved with France, who face Spain in the other semi-final.
Villa’s deep representation is a positive reflection of the squad Emery has built. However, it will also complicate his pre-season planning.
The five players still involved will require rest after the tournament before returning to Bodymoor Heath. Their delayed arrival could limit their minutes during Villa’s early friendlies.
ReadAstonVilla previously covered how Martínez is set to face his Villa team-mates in the England-Argentina semi-final.
Those already back in training now have an opportunity to make an early impression.
Mings is continuing his latest return to full fitness, while Buendía and Bailey will hope to strengthen their positions before the World Cup contingent rejoins the group.
Villa’s first-team preparation has begun, but Emery will not have anything close to his complete squad until the tournament reaches its conclusion.
