Unai Emery can breathe sigh over relief over Youri Tielemans amid Aston Villa injury update
Unai Emery is hoping for a grandstand finish in the Premier League and on the European stage with Aston Villa over the next few weeks.
Under the Spaniard’s guidance, the Villans are sitting in fourth place in the Premier League, seven points clear of Tottenham Hotspur, with an upcoming Europa Conference League semi-final tie to look forward to as well.
Villa are preparing to take on Olympiacos on Thursday 2 May, and Emery will be hoping that as many members of his squad are fit to face the in-form Greek side.
One player who looks certain to miss the first leg is Youri Tielemans, who left the field after just 27 minutes during the 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday (27 April).
Though there were fears that the Belgian could join the ever-growing list of injuries at Villa Park, the most recent update from Jacob Tanswell has offered some hope for the Midlands club that it won’t be a long stint on the sidelines.
Writing for The Athletic on Monday (29 April), Tanswell updated: “Youri Tielemans is expected to miss the next two games after scans showed a groin injury is not as bad as first feared.
“Although he will likely miss the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos and the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, it is encouraging news for Villa, given he hopes to play a part in the end-of-season run-in.”
Youri Tielemans hands Aston Villa hope with injury update
Though it is a crying shame that Tielemans will be unavailable for the next two matches, it is also a huge boost that he should be fit for the end-of-season run-in.
The 26-year-old has become an integral part of the Villa team in recent weeks, especially stepping up to the plate in the absence of Douglas Luiz due to suspension.
With the Brazilian ranking in the top 93 percentile for non-penalty goals, the top 80 percentile for assists, and the top 85 percentile for shot-creating actions among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, he left big shoes to be filled. [FBref]
This was especially evident during the 3-1 comeback win against Bournemouth, partnering John McGinn in the middle of the park.
He played the whole 90 minutes, finishing the match with 92 per cent passing accuracy, with 13 passes into the final third, was 80 per cent successful with long balls and took 77 touches. [FotMob]
Despite his small stature, Tielemans is a nuisance in midfield for the opposition, having made six recoveries, winning 83 per cent of his ground duels and also winning the most duels in the match.
The former Leicester City man’s attacking prowess should not be underestimated either. He ranks in the top 99 percentile for assists among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues. [FBref]
The 26-year-old still has a massive part to play in Villa’s season, as the club attempt to secure Champions League football next season and finish the current campaign with European silverware.
The Villans will just need to hold on during the first leg against Olympiacos and hope Tielemans can return for the semi-final second leg on Thursday 9 May.
In other Aston Villa news, Clement Lenglet has been tipped to make his stay at Villa Park permanent despite new developments
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.