--- title: "Aaron Wan-Bissaka hands Aston Villa fitness boost after Emery concern" canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/25/aaron-wan-bissaka-aston-villa-dr-congo-boost/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "James Chettle" section: "Aston Villa Injury News" published: "2026-09-25T12:30:00Z" modified: "2026-09-25T12:30:00Z" --- # Aaron Wan-Bissaka hands Aston Villa fitness boost after Emery concern Aaron Wan-Bissaka has given Unai Emery another intriguing Aston Villa option after playing in a different defensive role during DR Congo’s 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea. The 28-year-old started on the right of a three-man defence as DR Congo opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with three points in Kinshasa. Wan-Bissaka also played an important role in Yoane Wissa’s second-half goal, cutting inside before finding the Newcastle United forward in the penalty area. [Pan Africa Football’s report on DR Congo’s victory](https://panafricafootball.com/article/dr-congo-equatorial-guinea-afcon) details how Wan-Bissaka combined with Wissa before the striker finished to make it 2-0. It adds another interesting dimension to the defender’s international break after he started Aston Villa’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. ## Aaron Wan-Bissaka used in three-man DR Congo defence Wan-Bissaka has predominantly operated as a conventional right-back throughout his career. However, Sébastien Desabre used the Villa defender on the right side of a back three against Equatorial Guinea. DR Congo lined up in a 3-4-1-2 shape with Wan-Bissaka alongside captain Chancel Mbemba and former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe. The [confirmed DR Congo formation and starting XI](https://footballnation.eu/football-club/congo-dr/) lists Wan-Bissaka as the right-sided defender in that three-man unit. That role demanded something slightly different from the responsibilities he has generally been given by Emery at Villa. Wan-Bissaka was still able to step forward when the opportunity appeared. His most notable attacking contribution arrived in the 72nd minute. The defender moved inside from the right and helped work the ball into Wissa, who created room before finishing beyond Jesús Owono. [Kawowo Sports also reported Wan-Bissaka’s involvement in the goal](https://kawowo.com/2026/09/24/afcon-2027-pamoja-qualifiers-wissa-mbemba-on-target-as-dr-congo-see-off-equatorial-guinea/), describing his run inside before he found Wissa. ## Wan-Bissaka completes important Aston Villa fitness test The amount of football Wan-Bissaka managed is also significant for Villa. He had played only the opening 45 minutes against Tottenham before Matty Cash replaced him at half-time. Wan-Bissaka then completed DR Congo’s victory on Thursday, with the [full match record](https://www.footballfirst.com/football-live-centre/match-detail/dr-congo-vs-equatorial-guinea/572480/info) showing he remained on the pitch while four other DR Congo players were substituted late in the game. He was booked in the 49th minute but helped his country protect a clean sheet. That gives Emery another encouraging fitness update during an international break in which several Villa players are being monitored closely. Our [Aston Villa international-break tracker](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/22/aston-villa-international-break-tracker-call-ups-bodymoor-heath/) is following Wan-Bissaka and every other senior player representing their country. ## Matty Cash competition continues at Aston Villa Wan-Bissaka’s performance comes only hours before Cash begins his own international programme with Poland. The 29-year-old recently returned from muscular discomfort and will hope to add further minutes when Poland face Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our [Matty Cash injury-return update](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/25/matty-cash-poland-aston-villa-injury-return/) explains why his Poland appearances could be particularly valuable after a disrupted few weeks. It leaves Emery with an increasingly interesting selection decision when Premier League football returns. We have already examined the [Aston Villa right-back battle between Cash and Wan-Bissaka](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/20/matty-cash-return-aston-villa-right-back-decision-emery/), with the two defenders offering different qualities. Wan-Bissaka remains one of the strongest one-against-one defenders in the squad, while Cash brings greater familiarity with Emery’s attacking structure. Thursday’s international performance potentially adds another consideration. ## Could Wan-Bissaka give Emery another defensive option? Villa should not automatically copy DR Congo’s system simply because Wan-Bissaka performed well within it. International and club football present different tactical demands. However, his ability to operate on the right of a three-man defence could prove useful. Emery has regularly altered Villa’s shape during different phases of matches, with full-backs sometimes asked to form part of a back three during build-up or when protecting a lead. Wan-Bissaka’s defensive qualities make him well suited to that type of responsibility. His [Aston Villa player profile](https://readastonvilla.com/squad/aaron-wan-bissaka/) can be followed throughout his first season at Villa Park after his summer move from West Ham United. DR Congo next travel to face Zimbabwe on Monday. Another appearance would give Wan-Bissaka further competitive minutes before returning to Birmingham. For Emery, Thursday delivered more than a positive fitness update. It also provided another example of how one of his summer additions could potentially be used when Aston Villa’s domestic campaign resumes.