Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Thu 19 March 2026 12:40, UK

Aston Villa star Amadou Onana says teammate Youri Tielemans’ recovery is going “very well” as anticipation over his return mounts.

Tielemans has endured an injury-hit season for Villa so far, with the midfielder sustaining calf and ankle issues.

The first problem kept the 28-year-old out for six weeks between September and November and his current ankle injury has sidelined him since late January.

Villa have dearly missed the Belgium international’s presence, with Unai Emery’s side subsequently dropping out of the Premier League title race.

But going by compatriot Onana’s comments, the former Leicester City star may be nearing a Villa first-team return.

Aston Villa need Youri Tielemans back now

Tielemans has become a key player at Villa since signing for the club in 2023, with the Belgian being voted the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season in 2024-25.

Between August and January this season, Villa lost just five league games. Since Tielemans has been out, they have tasted defeat on four occasions in less than two months.

A solitary win since 25 January does not make for pleasant reading for Villa fans.

However, Onana has hinted that Tielemans could be back soon, with the former Monaco youngster predicted to return in mid-April.

Onana told Belgian publication RTBF: “I’m not a doctor, but his rehabilitation is going very well.

“We miss him on the pitch. I hope he recovers very quickly and that we’ll see him again very soon.”

Tielemans has scored one goal and added five assists in 22 appearances in all competitions. Without him and defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara, Villa look a much lesser side.

In the Premier League this season, Tielemans has an 84 per cent passing accuracy, has provided four assists from an Expected Assists total of 2.61, averages four ball recoveries a game, and averages 62 touches per match.

On Sofascore, he has a rating of 7.29 from 24 league games. Incidentally, in the Europa League, his passing accuracy jumps up to 90 per cent.

Therefore, if the Belgian returns soon, that will boost their hopes of securing Champions League football next term.

Aston Villa’s worrying dip in form

In the last six matches, only Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland have endured a worst run of form since Villa.

They have lost their last three league games in a row, putting their top five chances at risk after damaging losses to nearby rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

They still hold a slight lead over Liverpool and Chelsea but not all that long ago, they were snapping at the heels of league leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City.

The Europa League has, at times, been a welcome distraction for Villa, who are preparing to face Lille in their last-16 second-leg clash on Thursday.

However, their extra work load is undoubtedly putting a strain on Villa’s squad, which does not have some of the depth that their rivals can call on.

After taking on Lille, they host a rejuvenated West Ham on Sunday. If they lose a fourth straight game, Villa’s season could completely fall apart.