Unai Emery laments Leon Goretzka injury as Aston Villa eye Champions League restart

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted that the ongoing absence of Leon Goretzka is a significant hurdle for his squad. The German international, who joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich this summer, has been forced to delay his debut after his body struggled to adapt to the intensity of training at his new club.

Goretzka reached out to supporters via social media, explaining that he requires a period of recovery to return to full strength. The midfielder is expected to be out for at least a month, missing action until domestic football resumes after the mid-September international break.

Goretzka’s issue is a bit frustrating, but we have players who can replace him. When he’s coming back, hopefully he can get the consistency in training and playing and we can add his experience. Unai Emery

The setback comes at a difficult time for Villa, who have started the Premier League campaign with one draw and two defeats. Emery noted that while collective improvements were evident in the last outing, the team is still searching for the results that defined their success last season.

Villa now turn their attention to the Champions League with a trip to face Club Brugge. While Emery will have to navigate the match without Goretzka and the injured Johan Manzambi, the return of Joao Gomes from suspension provides a timely boost for a side looking to banish the memories of their previous European meeting in Belgium.