Aston Villa have been hit with further injury news after Boubacar Kamara was ruled out for the season with a severe knee injury.
Villa confirmed the 24-year-old sustained a “significant” knee ligament injury during the Villans’ 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United.
Five first-team players are currently ruled out of Unai Emery’s plans, with a Premier League clash against Fulham up next.
Ezri Konsa is one of those on the sidelines, and a worrying update has been shared on the 26-year-old’s fitness.
Ezri Konsa injury concern
Konsa was withdrawn during the latter stages of Villa’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United on 3 February. The Athletic first reported the former Brentford defender would be out for around a month.
“He has a knee sprain, and he will not be available. I don’t know, three or four weeks more or less,” said Emery (via The Athletic).
However, after Kamara’s injury, The Athletic have since suggested Konsa’s “knee sprain” may be slightly more “ominous” than initially feared.
“Emery, somewhat optimistically, suggested he would be out for ‘three to four weeks’ with another knee injury; the present feeling is more ominous,” wrote The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell (13 February).
The club has yet to provide further information on the length of time Konsa could be sidelined.
Aston Villa hit with major injury blow
If Konsa is injured longer term, it will be a significant blow to Villa’s Champions League qualification hopes.
The 26-year-old has started 23 Premier League matches this season, filling in the right-back role when required. With Tyrone Mings also on the sidelines, the pressure is now firmly on Diego Carlos and Clement Lenglet to be the backbone of Villa’s success between now and the end of the campaign.
As for Kamara’s recent setback, Villa are lucky to have Youri Tielemans and Tim Iroegbunam as midfield cover.
Furthermore, John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz provide Emery with an extremely strong set of options.
Come the summer, delving into the market for a midfielder should undoubtedly be at the forefront of Monchi and Johan Lange’s minds.
Villa aren’t afraid to spend when required, and with some key first-team members potentially still out come the start of next season, looking to invest could be vital.
