Ashley Preece: Sanson and Nakamba handed Aston Villa lifeline after Kamara injury
Boubacar Kamara’s long-term injury gives Morgan Sanson and Marvelous Nakamba a chance to shine for Aston Villa, says journalist Ashley Preece.
During the summer transfer window, both Sanson and Nakamba were told they were free to leave Villa Park. But a string of injuries to Steven Gerrard’s side have left him short in midfield.
Nakamba was a regular starter under Gerrard last season before he suffered an injury of his own, while Sanson has yet to kick on in claret and blue since moving to Birmingham from Marseille in January 2021.
But according to journalist Preece, both could be given chances to shine in the coming months.
“Two players who could well be needed now off the back of Kamara’s setback and they are Marvelous Nakamba and Morgan Sanson who, in the summer, were reportedly told they were free to leave,” wrote Preece in the Birmingham Mail.
“The pair could well be given a reprieve knowing Gerrard needs options in the middle of the pitch.”
Last lifeline
With a packed schedule on the horizon and a bucket load of injuries plaguing Gerrard’s side, Aston Villa’s squad depth will be tested thoroughly.
Therefore, Nakamba and Sanson will both likely make their return to the first team squad soon, although they’ll need to pounce on their chance before Kamara recovers.
It’s not an ideal situation for Gerrard, but at least it gives him one final chance to assess whether either player is good enough to stay at the club.
After all, these aren’t young prospects we’re talking about. Both Sanson and Nakamba are 28 years old and on the verge of passing their peak – if they aren’t good enough now, they never will be.
They’ll be thrown in the deep end into a struggling squad and it’ll quickly become clear if they sink or swim. Any poor performances from either player will likely see them binned off in January.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton believes losing Michael Beale was a massive blow for Gerrard