Aston Villa currently have 14 players on international duty, although some of Unai Emery’s men have returned to Bodymoor Heath with knocks.
Pau Torres has a muscular problem and he was sent back to Aston Villa from Spain’s training camp.
Ian Maatsen was called up to the Netherlands under-21s but he withdrew from national duty with what appeared to be a minor injury.
Ezri Konsa was also seen limping off the pitch for England against Greece, with Lee Carsley confirming that Konsa needs a scan today.
Someone who hasn’t suffered an injury during the break was midfielder Amadou Onana, who was called up for Belgium’s Nations League fixtures against Italy and Israel.
Belgian media give verdict on Amadou Onana’s performance vs Italy
Onana has enjoyed a fine start to life at Villa Park, with the 23-year-old becoming an important player in Unai Emery’s midfield, normally alongside international teammate Youri Tielemans.
Tielemans was left out of Belgium’s squad on this occasion as he needed a break while Onana was deployed next to Arne Engels and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard in the middle of the park.
The Villa powerhouse played the full 90 minutes as Belgium were beaten 1-0 by Italy, and their place in the relegation playoffs was confirmed.
Reacting to his performance on Thursday night, Belgian news outlet Voetbal Primeur rated Onana a 5/10: “The defensive buffer in midfield, although Onana also had a hard time. Came out well with moments in possession. However, those moments were too few to turn the game around.”
While the above assessment of his display was negative, Walfoot dubbed the Villa star as ‘indispensable’ in defence and an ‘imposing presence’.
Handing him a 5/10 rating, they wrote: “When he focuses on his defensive tasks, he is decidedly indispensable. Abandoned by Engels at times, he brought his imposing presence in the midfield. We would like to see him associated with Romeo Lavia…”
- READ MORE: How Monchi’s transfer strategy has transformed Aston Villa into a Champions League outfit
Onana’s next game for Belgium
Aston Villa will be monitoring Onana closely as he’s set to play another match for Belgium in the international break.
The Red Devils round off the Nations League campaign with a trip to Israel and it’s a game that doesn’t have much importance.
Belgium’s place in the relegation playoffs is all but confirmed as they’re unable to catch the top two sides, Italy and France.
With little for his side to play for in Sunday’s fixture, perhaps Villa fans will be hoping that Onana is afforded a rest, or at least starts the game on the bench.
Emery will need his midfielder in the best condition possible, as following the final international break of the year, the fixtures come thick and fast.
