Aston Villa are grappling with a significant injury crisis as they head into the final third of the Premier League season, with several key players set to miss their upcoming fixture against Bournemouth this Saturday. The squad has been hit hard by fitness issues, impacting their depth and options on the pitch.
Key Absences and Return Timelines
Unai Emery's side will be without a number of crucial figures for the trip to the Vitality Stadium. Boubacar Kamara has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury during the FA Cup third-round tie against Tottenham last month. His return date remains unknown, dealing a major blow to Villa's midfield stability.
Midfield Setbacks
John McGinn is facing an extended period on the sidelines, with the club confirming he will be out for six to eight weeks following a knee injury picked up in the home defeat to Everton. This means the Scottish international is unlikely to feature until early March, potentially missing several key matches.
Youri Tielemans is also set for a lengthy absence, with a two-month spell out of action anticipated. The Belgian midfielder may not return until after the March international break, further depleting Villa's creative resources in the middle of the park.
Attack and Fitness Concerns
Ollie Watkins, who missed Villa's recent 1–0 defeat at Brentford, could make a comeback this weekend. The striker felt a minor hamstring strain during the 3–2 victory over RB Salzburg last week, but there is optimism he might be available for the Bournemouth clash.
Amadou Onana was restricted to the bench in the last outing due to muscle fatigue, highlighting the broader fitness challenges within the squad. Meanwhile, new signing Alysson has begun training at Bodymoor Heath after joining from Grêmio, but has yet to make an appearance due to injury, with his possible return also pencilled in for Saturday.
Additional Squad Updates
Andres Garcia is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks with a hamstring injury, although he has featured sparingly this season. His potential return is targeted for the home fixture against Leeds later this month.
As Aston Villa navigate this difficult period, the depth of their squad will be tested. The injuries to key players like McGinn and Tielemans could force tactical adjustments and provide opportunities for other members of the team to step up in their absence.
The club will be hoping for a swift recovery for those with shorter-term issues, such as Watkins, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League. Fans will be closely monitoring the fitness reports in the lead-up to the Bournemouth match and beyond.
