Johan Manzambi will miss Aston Villa’s UEFA Super Cup clash with PSG as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
The 20-year-old has been working his way back from the problem he suffered while representing Switzerland at the World Cup.
According to The Athletic reporter Jacob Tanswell, Manzambi will not recover in time for Villa’s meeting with PSG in Salzburg on Wednesday, 12 August.
The news delays the chance for supporters to see one of Villa’s biggest summer additions in competitive action.
Manzambi joined from Freiburg in a club-record deal worth a reported £59.5million after an impressive World Cup with Switzerland.
Johan Manzambi injury leaves Aston Villa without summer signing
The Johan Manzambi injury is another frustration for Unai Emery as he prepares his squad for an early opportunity to win silverware.
Manzambi had emerged as one of Switzerland’s standout players during the World Cup before suffering his knee problem. Villa have therefore been careful with his recovery following his arrival from Freiburg.
There has been no suggestion that the setback has become more serious. However, Tanswell’s update confirms the Super Cup will arrive too soon for the midfielder.
His absence also reduces Emery’s options in a midfield already reshaped significantly this summer.
Villa have added João Gomes alongside Manzambi, while Youri Tielemans has departed for Manchester United and Amadou Onana is facing a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury.
Further reinforcement could yet arrive. ReadAstonVilla reported on Monday that Villa are preparing a £30million move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernalnues to strengthen the squad.
For now, Manzambi’s priority will remain his rehabilitation rather than rushing back for the PSG fixture.
Villa face the Champions League holders at Stadion Salzburg before beginning their Premier League campaign later in August, and Emery will hope his new midfielder can return shortly afterwards.
