Aston Villa have been dealt a crushing blow just days before the new Premier League season kicks off, with attacking midfielder Emi Buendia sustaining a significant knee injury during training.
The Argentine playmaker, who joined Villa from Norwich City in a club-record £38 million deal, suffered the setback during a session at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground. Medical assessments have confirmed the severity of the injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for an extended period.
Major Setback for Villa's European Ambitions
This development comes as a devastating blow to manager Unai Emery's preparations for the upcoming campaign. Buendia had been instrumental in Villa's impressive form last season, contributing significantly to their surprise push for European qualification.
The timing could hardly be worse, with Villa set to open their Premier League season against Newcastle United in just over a week. The injury leaves Emery with a significant gap to fill in his creative midfield options.
Pre-Season Preparations Thrown Into Disarray
Villa had been building momentum throughout their pre-season preparations, including a remarkable comeback victory against La Liga side Valencia. The squad had appeared to be hitting their stride at the perfect moment.
Buendia's absence now forces a tactical rethink for Emery, who must find alternative solutions to maintain Villa's attacking threat. The injury also raises questions about the club's transfer strategy in the final weeks of the window.
Road to Recovery Begins
While the exact timeline for Buendia's return remains uncertain, the club has confirmed he will begin rehabilitation immediately. Villa's medical staff are reportedly preparing a comprehensive recovery programme for the 26-year-old.
This setback represents not just a personal disappointment for Buendia, but a significant challenge for Villa's ambitions to build on last season's impressive seventh-place finish.
