Last updated: 5 October 2026
Aston Villa’s injury picture has improved before the Brentford game, with Pau Torres, Brian Madjo, Marco Bizot and Alysson returning to action against Sevilla.
Leon Goretzka has also resumed training, although he did not feature in Friday’s friendly. Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana face longer recoveries.
Here is the latest reported position, separating players who have returned from those still awaiting a comeback.
Aston Villa injuries and return dates
| Player | Latest status | Return outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Leon Goretzka | Returned to training; absent against Sevilla | No confirmed comeback fixture |
| Ian Maatsen | Recovering from ankle tendon damage | Initial estimate points to late October or early November |
| Amadou Onana | Long-term absence following an ACL injury | Recovery expected to extend into 2027 |
| Modou Kéba Cissé | Previously reported unavailable; current fitness status unclear | No confirmed return date |
| Pau Torres | Played against Sevilla on 2 October | Returned to match action |
| Brian Madjo | Played against Sevilla on 2 October | Returned to match action |
| Marco Bizot | Started against Sevilla on 2 October | Returned to match action |
| Alysson | Appeared as a substitute against Sevilla | Returned to match action |
Estimated recovery windows are not confirmed selection dates.
Leon Goretzka
Goretzka took part in training during Villa’s camp in Spain, as covered in our update on the returning trio.
However, he was absent from the Sevilla matchday squad. His omission does not establish that he has suffered another setback.
His next appearance remains unconfirmed, with training involvement and readiness for competitive football separate stages of his recovery.
Ian Maatsen
Maatsen suffered ankle tendon damage against Nottingham Forest on 12 September.
The initial reported recovery estimate was six to eight weeks, pointing towards late October or early November. That remains an estimate rather than a confirmed comeback date.
Our Ian Maatsen injury timeline explains the original assessment and potential return window.
Amadou Onana and Modou Kéba Cissé
Onana remains a long-term absentee following his ACL injury. His recovery is expected to extend into 2027, rather than the forthcoming October fixtures.
Cissé was previously reported unavailable, but there is no confirmed return date in the latest information available for this update. His present readiness for selection remains unclear.
Torres, Madjo, Bizot and Alysson return
Torres and Madjo came on at half-time against Sevilla, moving beyond training involvement to make their returns to match action.
Bizot started in goal, while Alysson appeared during the second half. Fantasy Football Scout’s friendly round-up also records their returns following recent fitness problems.
They should no longer be listed as awaiting their first appearances back. However, playing in a friendly does not guarantee a starting place or readiness for 90 competitive minutes.
Villa’s next Premier League game is against Brentford on Saturday 10 October. Our next-match guide contains the fixture and viewing details.
