Leon Goretzka will miss Aston Villa’s Premier League fixture against Brentford on Saturday due to knee discomfort, though manager Unai Emery has not ruled out the midfielder making his debut next week, SPORT1 reported.
Knee Injury Delays Goretzka Debut
The 31-year-old midfielder has yet to make a competitive appearance for Villa since arriving on a free transfer. Goretzka sustained the knee issue in training shortly after completing his move to the club. He has spent the past two weeks training alongside the main squad in an effort to regain full fitness.
Emery addressed the player’s physical progress during a press conference ahead of the weekend fixture. He trains Mondays and Thursdays with us,
Emery said. I don’t know if he will be available on Wednesday. Hopefully, in a few days, he can reach the necessary consistency in training and be included in the squad.
Villa face Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, presenting a potential window for Goretzka’s appearance.
Squad Updates Ahead of Brentford
While Goretzka continues his individual buildup, Villa’s broader injury list shows signs of contraction. Matty Cash is expected to return to the matchday squad against Brentford. Cash was forced off during Poland’s international fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but subsequent medical checks revealed only a painful bruising.
Pau Torres and Brian Madjo are also in contention to return following their involvement in a test match win over Sevilla. Torres had been sidelined since September due to an upper leg injury sustained against Nottingham Forest, while Madjo missed time following a knock picked up after the Supercup final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Long-Term Reha Progress
Emery provided positive updates on the club’s remaining long-term absentees. Amadou Onana is making substantial progress through his extended rehabilitation program. Ian Maatsen remains sidelined but is tracking well in his recovery, while Modou Kéba Cissé is scheduled to resume team training next week.
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