Tielemans ‘faces early return to Aston Villa’ after Belgium blow
Youri Tielemans is currently on international duty with Belgium but the midfielder could return to Aston Villa early.
The Villa midfielder was in action for Belgium in their 3-1 loss to Ukraine on Thursday (20 March), playing 90 minutes for Rudi Garcia’s side but putting on a disappointing display in the loss.
Belgium will now host Ukraine on Sunday in the return leg of the Nations League quarter-finals, but Tielemans is set to miss the clash at Gent.
Tielemans to miss second leg v Ukraine
Tielemans‘ evening was a frustrating one as his performance was sub-par, and to add misery to it, he picked up a yellow card in the second half.
The Belgian is now suspended for the return leg because of accumulation of too many yellow cards, meaning he’ll play no part in the game on Sunday (23 March) and will therefore be left out of the squad.
With Tielemans missing the game on Sunday, doors to an early return to Aston Villa have opened. While it may be a huge loss for Garcia, it will be a welcome gain for Unai Emery.
| Opposition | Home/Away |
| Preston | Away |
| Brighton | Away |
| Nottingham Forest | Home |
| PSG | Away |
Villa face Preston North End in the FA Cup quarter-finals on 30 March. Given Tielemans only played 90 minutes in the international break, he’ll be match-fit and fresh, raring to go against the Championship side in the FA Cup.
Villa are active in three competitions – the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. The Claret and Blue are fighting for a European spot for next season as they sit ninth in the table with 45 points, just two points off the top six.
In the Champions League, Emery’s side have made it to the quarter-finals where they’ll face PSG. With a hectic schedule from now until the end of the season, Emery will want his players to remain fit and have squad depth at his disposal.
Tielemans is a key part of Aston Villa midfield
The Belgium international has been a vital part of the midfield, starting all 29 Premier League games.
He has two goals and four assists to his name but his presence in the central midfield is not only defined by goal contributions, but also with his ability to keep the play ticking through the centre.
Tielemans’ ability to win the ball and supplement in the attack makes him a formidable option in the midfield. His quality in dead-ball situations is appreciated by Emery as well as his versatility in the midfield.