Aston Villa have received a significant and timely boost to their squad ahead of a crucial European fixture, with midfielder Amadou Onana returning from injury. This positive development comes as a welcome relief following the devastating news that fellow midfielder Boubacar Kamara has been ruled out for months with a serious knee injury.
Onana's Return Bolsters Villa's European Ambitions
Unai Emery's side will travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night, and the inclusion of Amadou Onana in the travelling party provides a major lift. The Belgian international has been sidelined since Villa's heavy 4-1 defeat at Arsenal, missing the last four matches across all competitions. During his absence, the team managed just a single victory, highlighting his potential importance to the side.
Onana has been a consistent performer this season, making a total of 18 appearances and contributing two goals against Bournemouth and Brighton. His return adds much-needed depth and quality to Villa's midfield options as they approach the business end of their European campaign.
Kamara's Season-Ending Blow and Squad Adjustments
The positive news regarding Onana is tempered by the confirmation that Boubacar Kamara faces a lengthy spell on the treatment table. The French midfielder sustained a serious knee injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the season, dealing a significant blow to Emery's plans.
This injury crisis in midfield is further compounded by the continued absence of Ross Barkley, who remains sidelined. In response, Tyrone Mings has been reinstated to the squad, reclaiming the midfield place he had previously ceded earlier in this league phase campaign.
However, not all squad news is positive for the trip to Turkey. First-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez will miss Thursday's match after Emery confirmed the Argentine international had not travelled with the squad and will not feature against Fenerbahce.
Villa's Europa League Campaign and Emery's Milestone
Aston Villa approach this fixture seeking their sixth victory in the Europa League league phase this season. Their campaign has seen them secure wins against Bologna, Feyenoord, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Young Boys, and Basel, with their only defeat coming against Go Ahead Eagles.
This match holds particular significance for manager Unai Emery, as it will mark his 100th game in charge in the Europa League. This achievement makes him the first manager to reach this milestone in the competition's history, with Jorge Jesus being the nearest active manager on 68 games.
The return of Amadou Onana provides Villa with a crucial reinforcement as they navigate this challenging period of injuries while pursuing success on the European stage under their historic manager.
