AdminUnai Emery has provided an update on his Aston Villa squad ahead of the trip to Hull City, addressing injuries, Champions League selection and the development of one of the club’s most exciting young talents.
Johan Manzambi remains unavailable as he continues his recovery, although the Swiss midfielder has returned to group training.
“No, not yet. He’s training with the group and getting better and feeling good but he will need some days more. I don’t know if for the Champions League on Tuesday or for the next match against Nottingham Forest.”
Joao Gomes will also miss the Hull trip through suspension, while Amadou Onana remains sidelined following reconstructive knee surgery.
The biggest talking point, however, was Villa’s Champions League squad. Unable to meet the required homegrown quota, Emery had to reduce his 25-man selection to 23, with summer signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Modou Keba Cisse and Brian Madjo among those left out.
Madjo has quickly caught Emery’s attention. The teenager scored a stunning equaliser against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final, becoming the competition’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
Despite his omission, Emery remains excited about his future.
“A lot of young players with huge potential. Some can show the potential quick and some take time. But, we are very motivated, very excited, how we can get and keep the same level we had in Premier League.”
Villa’s young players may have to wait, but Emery clearly believes their time will come.
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