Aston Villa have been handed a double injury boost with reports revealing that Ezri Konsa was joined by Jhon Duran in training today as the pair return from their respective absences.
It’s been a long overdue day of positivity at Aston Villa on the injury front, as reports have revealed that Unai Emery could soon have two of his important squad members back in contention.
The manager has had the depth of his squad tested in all positions this season, particularly in defence with a list of the club’s centre-backs all unavailable at the same time.
Last week, the boss handed Calum Chambers his first Premier League appearance of the season as Pau Torres was withdrawn at halftime, leaving Villa with their fifth and sixth-choice centre-backs on the pitch.
Luckily the result ended in a comprehensive 4-2 win for the Villans, who now look to be nearing a boost in the back line as Ezri Konsa was pictured in training today.
Aston Villa injury news
From Tyrone Mings’ season-ending ACL injury on the opening day of the campaign to Torres’ injury woes at the end of 2023, Emery’s defence has taken an extremely harsh beating this season.
Now, the manager will be joyed to welcome versatile asset, Ezri Konsa back to the fold, who has been out of action since the win over Sheffield United on the first weekend of February.
A knee sprain kept the centre-back out of action at a time that couldn’t have come worse for Villa, who despite their shortages, have managed to keep up with the demand of fighting for a top-four finish.
Aside from the replenishment of the defence through Konsa’s return, Emery will also have Jhon Duran back in his squad, with the Colombian also returning to training today.
Jhon Duran will be important for the remainder of Aston Villa’s season
Villa have been without Duran since January after he sustained a hamstring injury against Everton.
The striker was showing some impressive signs that he could be the backup to Ollie Watkins to allow Emery to rotate, with his return coming at a crucial time as the fixtures come thick and fast.
As well as needing to remain strong and focused in the Premier League, the Villans are preparing for their blockbuster duel with Ajax in the Europa Conference League, which could see the boss need to call Duran into action.
Previously lauded as being a “handful” in Villa’s front line by pundit Clinton Morrison, the youngster could still have a significant part to play this season if his earlier form can be repeated.
This season, the £18m capture has netted twice in the Premier League and once in the Europa Conference League, showing firm signs that he is capable of playing at the top with Villa despite being so young.
