Aston Villa injury news has received a timely update ahead of next week’s meeting with Arsenal, with Unai Emery providing fresh timelines for Johan Manzambi, Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham. Manzambi appears unlikely to face the Gunners, while Madjo and Abraham could return to training considerably sooner.
Villa turn their attention towards their first home Premier League game of the season after Sunday’s damaging 4-0 defeat against Brighton.
Arsenal visit Villa Park on Monday, 31 August at 8pm BST, with the fixture confirmed by the Premier League.
Emery could have more options available by then.
Manzambi set to miss Aston Villa vs Arsenal
He has started working outside as he continues his recovery, but Arsenal is likely to arrive too soon.
“Manzambi is starting work on the field, maybe two weeks more to join us, more or less,” Emery said after the Brighton defeat.
That timeline potentially takes the summer signing beyond the Arsenal game and towards Villa’s trip to Hull City on 5 September.
His absence is significant given the problems Emery already faces in midfield.
Amadou Onana remains sidelined, while João Gomes is set to serve a suspension following his red card at Brighton.
Gomes was dismissed for violent conduct on his Premier League debut, leaving Villa facing another enforced midfield change against Arsenal.
Abraham and Madjo could return to training
There was more encouraging news regarding Villa’s attacking options.
Emery described Madjo’s problem as minor and suggested the young forward could be back in training shortly.
“Madjo is a small injury and think he can start training with us, but maybe he will need some days more,” Emery said.
Abraham is also expected back with the group.
“Abraham is going to join us again and hopefully we can have strikers or everybody ready to play.”
The timing could prove particularly important because uncertainty continues around Ollie Watkins.
Watkins was omitted from Villa’s squad at Brighton amid continuing Al-Hilal interest, before Emery subsequently declined to explain the striker’s absence.
Villa were consequently forced to begin the game without a recognised senior centre-forward.
Getting Abraham and Madjo back would give Emery much-needed options regardless of how the Watkins situation develops.
For now, Manzambi appears unlikely to face Arsenal, but the coming days should provide a clearer indication of whether Abraham and Madjo can return in time for Villa’s first home game.
