Aston Villa Midfielder Tielemans Faces Up to 10 Weeks Out

The challenge for Aston Villa to claim the Premier League crown has encountered a serious setback, with Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans sidelined for up to 10 weeks because of an ankle injury.

Tielemans picked up the injury during Aston Villa's 2-0 triumph against Newcastle United at St James' Park last Sunday.

The 28 year old was substituted in the 74th minute after a collision with Newcastle's Lewis Miley.

Tielemans' prolonged absence worsens Aston Villa's growing injury concerns in midfield, as Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn are already unavailable.

McGinn faces two months away due to a knee issue, and Kamara is unlikely to feature again this season owing to his knee condition.

"We are aware of the situations with Kamara, McGinn, and Tielemans. Kamara faces a lengthy recovery, and I believe he will miss the rest of the season. McGinn should be out for roughly 6-8 weeks, while Tielemans will be absent for 8-10 weeks," Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said to journalists on Wednesday.

"We must figure out how to handle our central midfield resources for the upcoming fixtures."

Aiming to secure the English league title for the first time since 1981, Aston Villa in third position trail Premier League frontrunners Arsenal by only four points.

Support appears imminent for Emery, as he indicated that Douglas Luiz is nearing a return to the squad.

The 27 year old Brazilian midfielder previously featured in more than 200 games for Aston Villa prior to his departure to Juventus in 2024.

Luiz was on loan at Nottingham Forest for the opening part of the season and is set to rejoin Aston Villa for the balance of the campaign.

When questioned about additional midfield choices, Emery continued: "Amadou Onana is due to return soon, and Barkley should be available in a couple of days.

"He has undergone individual training sessions, but he is nearly ready to integrate with the team.

"I expect Luiz's move to materialise shortly."

Emery's squad, plagued by injuries, faces Europa League group stage play at home against RB Salzburg on Thursday.

Aston Villa have already qualified for the knockout rounds and aim to finish at the top of their league phase with a win.