Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard confirms that Ezri Konsa is fit ahead of schedule
Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Ezri Konsa is back fit again despite being expected to miss the start of the new season.
Konsa picked up an injury during Villa’s draw with Crystal Palace, which Gerrard told the club website would keep him out for up to 16 weeks.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail after Villa’s pre-season victory over Leeds on Sunday morning (17 July), Gerrard confirmed that Konsa is already fit again and will feature in Villa’s next friendly against Brisbane Roar.
“He’s back. The rehab is done. He trained fully with the team yesterday (16 July) for the first time,” Gerrard said.
“He’ll continue to train and prepare and he will be available for selection against Brisbane Roar in the middle of the week.”
Massive boost on the surface
Konsa returning to fitness early is a massive boost for Villa and Gerrard, but there are naturally going to be some concerns around his quick return.
Villa have had a string of players with chronic injury issues in recent years, including Morgan Sanson and Leon Bailey.
Adding another into the mix, especially a player as important as Konsa, would be the last thing Villa need heading into the new Premier League season.
Villa fans will naturally be wary of Konsa’s unexpected return as it bears so many similarities to Bailey’s quick return in October.
The Jamaican came on in their defeat to Arsenal, making a quick return from an injury that had kept him out for the past three games.
While he did temporarily return to fitness, playing in the next six matches, he very quickly broke down again before missing eight matches due to a thigh injury.
After having so many injury issues in the past few seasons, Villa fans were expecting Konsa to be gradually eased back into the action.
However, if they can keep him fit he should prove to be a massive boost for Villa.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have been told to do what they can to keep Carney Chukwuemeka.