Aston Villa have been rocked by several injuries this season, with six players currently out of action.
Diego Carlos is out after sustaining a hamstring issue in training, and defensive partner Ezri Konsa is also missing with a sprained knee.
The longer-term injuries include Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia, although the pair are getting closer to a return to action. Jhon Duran is also sidelined at present.
A more recent and significant blow involves Boubacar Kamara. The 24-year-old Frenchman was forced off during the 2-1 loss to Manchester United.
It was later revealed that the midfielder sustained ACL damage and could be sidelined until October at the earliest.
And now a fresh update has emerged on the Frenchman’s fitness.
Boubacar Kamara Aston Villa latest
The midfielder’s road to recovery can now officially start after a photo of him was shared in hospital.
Aston Villa podcaster Ty Bracey posted the image of Kamara after he had undergone surgery on Thursday evening.
This is the first step in the right direction for the 24-year-old, and now his recovery can begin in earnest.
One positive is that the season’s end is in sight. Most of Kamara’s absence will be spent during the off-season, which reduces the time spent away from first-team proceedings.
Injury crisis like no other
Villa’s injury crisis has been remarkable.
Mings, Buendia and Kamara have all sustained similar knee injuries. Talking on the subject, Emery believes it’s the worst he’s ever been involved with.
“I can never remember a time like this,” Emery told The Athletic.
“It’s not an excuse. When injuries happen, I always accept it, but of course, this is the worst. We are human and we are going to support the players, particularly with ACL injuries.
“I’ve never had this situation before as a coach. I know Real Madrid have had the same situation (with David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois) with ACL injuries.”
He added: “But we have accept it and keep going. We are positive, we work, and try to support the players who will have chances.
“Maybe with some types of injuries, like hamstrings, there is work you can do in terms of injury prevention, but knee injuries are different.
“But these are not a consequence of our work. Tyrone was injured at Newcastle, Emiliano here at the training ground, and Kamara at Villa Park.”
