Aston Villa are expected to be without Ian Maatsen for up to eight weeks after scans revealed tendon damage in his right ankle.
Maatsen suffered the injury following a challenge from James McAtee during Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The Netherlands international underwent an MRI scan on Saturday evening.
The Athletic now reports that the scan showed no fracture to the ankle joint, but tendon damage is expected to keep the 24-year-old sidelined for between six and eight weeks.
It represents a major blow for Unai Emery ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Coventry City.
Ian Maatsen set for six to eight weeks out
Maatsen was unable to continue following McAtee’s challenge late in the second half against Forest.
Villa had already made all five substitutions, forcing Emery’s side to finish the game with ten men.
John McGinn moved to left-back for the closing stages before Igor Jesus scored Forest’s winner in the 88th minute.
Emery had already expressed serious concern after the game.
The Villa boss admitted he feared Maatsen could be sidelined for a significant period, with the initial information pointing towards an ankle injury.
The subsequent scan has now provided a clearer picture.
A six-to-eight-week absence would rule Maatsen out of a significant run of domestic and European fixtures.
Our Aston Villa injury tracker will continue to follow his rehabilitation and expected return date.
Matteo Ruggeri now set for bigger Aston Villa role
Maatsen’s absence leaves summer signing Matteo Ruggeri as Villa’s only natural senior left-back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has previously operated on the left when required, while McGinn filled the position after Maatsen went off against Forest.
Ruggeri could therefore be handed an extended opportunity in Emery’s starting XI.
Villa face Coventry on Wednesday before travelling to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.
The upcoming international break will at least give Maatsen additional recovery time without adding more club fixtures to his absence.
Supporters can find TV channel, kick-off time and streaming details for Coventry City vs Aston Villa ahead of Wednesday’s cup tie.
