Aston Villa’s 2023/24 injury issues could have significantly dented their Champions League hopes.
Yet, Unai Emery’s side still sit in the top four and well placed to enter Europe’s elite competition.
The Spaniard is primarily to thank, but the squad depth at his disposal cannot be understated, particularly in defence.
Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and Tyrone Mings have all endured their fair share of injury issues during the 2023/24 campaign.
Thankfully, Torres and Konsa are back in first-team proceedings.
During their time out of the side, Clement Lenglet has stepped in brilliantly over the past few months.
And now the Frenchman has been linked with another loan move back to Villa Park.
Lenglet linked with second Aston Villa loan
The 28-year-old was linked with a permanent move back to Villa in the middle of February.
Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo claimed: “He is performing at a good level, and everything indicates that he will be a sale in the summer.”
“He is a very good professional, and we have been working with him every day, trying to understand our style,” Emery told The Shropshire Star.
“He was even coming in when the players had a day off to do extra work. I am speaking with Lenglet and sending him a message that I am very happy with him. I need him, the team needs him now.”
Now, the Spanish news outlet has claimed another loan move could be on the cards, with Barcelona eager to move him out of Camp Nou.
“In England, there is now talk that Aston Villa could negotiate the hiring of him or a new loan, which will allow Barça to get rid of his player,” read the report.
“The current assignment does not include a purchase option.”
Considering Lenglet’s form for Villa, this is not a bad move. Emery appreciates the player, and the 28-year-old seems to be enjoying his football in the West Midlands.
There are certainly worse options.
