Aston Villa secured a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League as Emi Buendia watched on from the substitutes bench.
Buendia returned from a long-term ACL injury in the summer but the Argentine has since played 189 minutes in all competitions, including just 20 minutes in the Premier League.
In September’s Carabao Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers, Buendia captained Aston Villa to a 2-1 victory and scored the opening goal.
The 27-year-old’s preferred role is attacking midfield, slotting just in behind Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran but given the magnificent form of Morgan Rogers, the silky playmaker has been denied that chance.
On Tuesday night, while Boubacar Kamara featured from the bench for the first time since February, Buendia was an unused substitute, prompting one supporter to question his future.
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Emi Buendia shuts down Aston Villa fan after Bologna win
A supposed Villa fan on X tweeted that Buendia looked ‘isolated and frustrated’ after the Argentine went down the tunnel and did not return.
There could have been any reason why he left the side of the pitch after the final substitute was made but this post concluded that the attacking midfielder was unhappy.
However, Buendia has now responded to the tweet, claiming he went to the toilet and then came back to watch his team.
The former Norwich City man also urged the supporter not to spread ‘fake information’, and that will be music to the ears of the Villans, who will hope to see more of him on the pitch.
Buendia needs to be used more by Unai Emery
It’s normal for any player to be eased back into the action following a long-term injury but Buendia will now be chomping at the bit to at least play regularly from the bench.
The talented playmaker is capable of operating in any position behind the striker, either as a left winger, right winger or attacking midfielder.
Currently, Rogers is nailed on to start in attacking midfield and captain McGinn will start on either side however, Leon Bailey is currently out of form while Jaden Philogene hasn’t done enough to warrant a start.
Perhaps Emery should consider starting Buendia on the right against Bournemouth in place of Bailey, or at least give him increased game time from the bench.
It speaks volumes about the quality of Villa’s attack when a player of Buendia’s class isn’t playing much, and Emery has to ensure that changes very soon.
