How Aston Villa have thrown money away after Leon Goretzka latest
Aston Villa continue to wait to see Leon Goretzka make his debut.
The Germany international came in through the doors at Bodymoor Heath in late August.
A deal came out of nowhere as the free agent was surprisingly snapped up by Unai Emery and Co.
Despite some initial reservations, a general vibe of positivity surrounded his arrival.
Many believe the midfielder will bring top level experience that is needed in this new-look Villa squad.
That has fallen away somewhat recently as Goretzka remains on the sidelines, something which is only set to continue.
How long is Leon Goretzka out for?
The 31-year-old was coming in at B6 off the back of 51 appearances at Bayern Munich last season.
He then jetted off to the World Cup and featured a further three times in North America.
Goretzka may have struggled to make an impact on the international stage, but had scored six and assisted four at club level.
His 1954 Bundesliga minutes brought 105 defensive actions and 78 duel wins, on top of 21 chances created and 35 shots.
That helped to build up excitement in B6, especially when looking ahead to the end of an extended, three week international break.
The German was meant to be back to face Brentford on Saturday, but it has now been revealed that he won't be available.
Emery has confirmed that he will miss out at Villa Park, with hopes that he will finally be available after.
He could potentially play in midweek against Fenerbahce.
That Champions League clash would come 48 days from the day he signed, so how much has he already cost Villa?
How much have Aston Villa spent on Goretzka already?
To go without a new signing for well over a month isn't a great look.
That is only made worse knowing that he was a free agent and might not have signed elsewhere with an injury.
Villa took the plunge and it has cost them.
Reports suggest Goretzka is earning around £150,000-per-week in B6, so by the time he plays, he could have cost the Villans upwards of £900,000.
That is telling and suggests that his arrival may have been a mistake given that he hasn't been available.
Emery just has to hope that he will hit the ground running when he is fit and ready to play.
Given that he has over 300 appearances, seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League under his belt from his Bayern Munich days, the feeling is that he will be alright.