Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces a major selection headache after confirming two devastating injury blows that have rocked the club's pre-season preparations.
Emi Buendia, the creative Argentine midfielder, has suffered what appears to be a serious knee ligament injury during training, while Belgian international Youri Tielemans has also picked up a concerning problem that will keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Training Ground Setback Rocks Villa Park
The double injury setback occurred during a routine training session at Bodymoor Heath, leaving medical staff and coaching team deeply concerned. Initial assessments suggest Buendia's injury could be particularly severe, with fears growing that he may face an extended period on the treatment table.
Emery addressed the media with a sombre tone, stating: "We are waiting on more scans and tests, but it doesn't look good for either player. This is the worst news we could have received at this stage of our preparations."
European Ambitions Under Threat
The timing couldn't be worse for Villa, who are preparing for their return to European competition after securing Conference League qualification. Buendia had been expected to play a pivotal role in Emery's attacking system, while Tielemans' recent arrival on a free transfer from Leicester City was seen as a major coup.
The absence of both creative forces leaves significant gaps in Villa's midfield and attacking options, forcing Emery to reconsider his tactical approach and potentially accelerate moves in the transfer market.
What This Means for Villa's Season Start
With the Premier League campaign just weeks away, the injury crisis presents Emery with multiple challenges:
- Limited options in advanced midfield positions
- Increased pressure on remaining attacking players
- Potential need for emergency transfer activity
- Disruption to pre-season tactical work
Medical staff at the club are conducting further assessments to determine the exact extent of both injuries and establish recovery timelines, but early indications suggest neither player will be available for the start of the season.
Villa fans, who had been optimistic about their team's prospects following an impressive previous campaign, now face an anxious wait for updates on two of their most important players.
