Aston Villa faces injury crisis ahead of Champions League clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is managing a deepening injury crisis as the club prepares for a Champions League fixture against Viking FK. Several key players have been ruled out, including defender Matteo Ruggeri, who is expected to be sidelined for approximately two months with a hamstring injury. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also facing an estimated three to four weeks of recovery following a hamstring issue sustained during a recent match against Newcastle United.

Additionally, midfielder Johan Manzambi will miss the upcoming European match due to a small injury, though he is expected to be available for the subsequent Premier League game against Manchester City. On a positive note, Ian Maatsen has returned to team training this week after being sidelined since mid-September.

Amidst these medical concerns, the club is also managing squad transitions and player futures. Midfielder Johan Manzambi has attracted interest from major European clubs including Barcelona and Liverpool, while the club is reportedly working to secure a long-term contract extension for Emiliano Buendia following his resurgence under Emery.