Unai Emery dealt new injury blow at Aston Villa on international break, it’s not just Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa has been sent back to Aston Villa after picking up an injury with England.
Konsa shone for England against Serbia in the first outing of the international break as the Three Lions secured a 2-0 win at Wembley.
The Villans were pleased to see Morgan Rogers, after signing a new deal with Villa, start in the number 10 role under Thomas Tuchel once again.
Excitement surrounding this duo has quickly dissipated after Tuchel revealed a potential fitness issue for Rogers, before Konsa was forced to return home to Bodymoor Heath.
Unai Emery is bound to be hugely frustrated by the news, especially as another first-team member is now following the centre-half through the door at Villa Park.
Lamare Bogarde returns to Aston Villa after injury
Konsa has attracted transfer interest at Aston Villa after what has been a stellar spell since moving to B6 from Brentford in 2019.
Lamare Bogarde has faced a similar fate in recent transfer windows, with the versatile ace so nearly leaving multiple times.
The 21-year-old has remained with the squad and become a valuable member, playing as a central defender, right back, and defensive midfielder.
His place in the side is certainly important as a utility man, so Emery won’t want to be without him for upcoming clashes against Leeds United, Young Boys and Wolves.
The Spaniard’s hand may be forced, however, after Bogarde was sent home by the Netherlands under-21 side with “minor symptoms”.
The Oranje released an official statement suggesting that the Villa man “is not fit enough to play this international break“, something that may set alarm bells ringing for Emery and Co.
Bogarde to join Ezri Konsa on injury list
Having only just welcomed Youri Tielemans back from injury, losing Bogarde would prove to be a frustrating blow yet again in B6.
The Dutchman started in midfield last time out in the Europa League against Maccabi Tel Aviv and put in a hugely positive shift.
The defensive-minded ace maintained a 95 per cent pass accuracy across his 58 attempts, while also clocking up four defensive actions and five recoveries.
Bogarde added to this with five total duel wins, summing up exactly how influential he was in the centre of the park.
Emery won’t want to be without him, but he will be more frustrated if he potentially loses Konsa after being forced home.
Looking ahead to the clash away to Leeds at Elland Road, the claret and blue outfit could have plenty of problems on their hands.
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